Synonyms

out of line

Idioms

Uncalled for, improper; inappropriate. For example, His remarks were totally out of line . It is often put as get out of line or step out of line , meaning “behave improperly,” as in She really stepped out of line when she called him incompetent in front of his boss . [Late 1700s]
Not in agreement with general practice, as in Their prices are way out of line with other hotels . Both def. 1 and 2 are metaphoric expressions that transfer being out of alignment to various kinds of behavior.
out of one's line ; not in one's line . Not in one's occupation or field of interest. For example, He offered a generous salary, but the work was out of her line , or I'd love to help, but telephone solicitation is not in my line . This usage alludes to line in the sense of “a business or occupation.” [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Was he out of line for giving modest gifts to this woman and her children?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

And so he steps out of line to test his theory.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

“Pick ‘em out of line starting today, and maybe the lines will get shorter,” he said.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Depreciation rates are out of line with reality.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

I jump out of line, throwing myself over Ayesha.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023