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The idiom “overstep the mark” in English Grammar refers to a person who is going beyond acceptable boundaries or limits, usually in behaviour or speech. The idiom means that the person has crossed a line of decency or has behaved inappropriately by exceeding what is deemed reasonable or respectful. For example, criticising a coworker harshly in front of others would be viewed as overstepping the mark, as it breaches the norms of professional conduct. Read on to learn more about the meaning, origin, and usage of the Overstep the Mark Idiom, discover its synonyms, and test your understanding with a quick quiz!
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Overstep the Mark Idiom: Meaning, Origin and Example
As you have already learned the idiom “overstep the mark” means going beyond what is regarded acceptable or appropriate Furthermore, it signifies that someone has crossed a boundary or limit, whether in behaviour, speech, or actions and has therefore gone too far. For example, lambasting your boss in a meeting might be seen as overstepping the mark, as it is disrespectful as well as unprofessional.
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Overstep the Mark Idiom Example Sentences
After getting through with the meaning and origin of the idiom “overstep the mark” here are 5 example sentences of the idiom so that you can understand how to use it.
- He overstepped the mark when he criticised his teammate in front of the entire football team.
- She overstepped the mark by making personal comments about her colleague’s appearance.
- The politician overstepped the mark with his controversial statements during the debate.
- They overstepped the mark by breaking the confidentiality agreement with their client.
- The journalist overstepped the mark by publishing unverified information in the article.
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Synonyms of Overstep the Mark Idiom
After understanding the meaning and usage examples of the idiom, here are synonyms which convey the idea that a person has crossed a boundary.
| Go too far | Cross the line |
| Push the envelope | Disobedience |
| Unprofessional | Misbehave |
Explore more exciting Synonyms below!
| Synonyms of Gratitude | Synonyms of Believe |
| Synonyms of Journey | Synonyms of Environment |
| Synonyms of Death | Synonyms of Beauty |
Overstep the Mark Idiom Quiz
After you have gone through all the details related to the ‘overstep the mark’ idiom, it is time to test your learning with the help of this quiz.
Q1. Which sentence correctly uses the idiom “overstep the mark”?
a. She overstepped the mark by helping her friend.
b. He oversteps the mark every time he arrives early to work.
c. They overstepped the mark by revealing confidential information.
d. I will overstep the mark if I follow the rules.
Q2. Choose the correct tense for the idiom: “Yesterday, he __________ the mark with his rude comments.”
a. overstep
b. overstepped
c. overstepping
d. oversteps
Q3. Which word correctly completes the sentence? “If you __________ the mark, there may be consequences.”
a. overstepped
b. overstep
c. overstepping
d. oversteps
Q4. Identify the correct sentence:
a. Overstep the mark they did, when they spoke out of turn.
b. Overstepping the mark he is, by breaking the rules.
c. He overstepped the mark by questioning the decision.
d. Oversteps the mark she does, whenever she speaks.
Q5. Select the correct future tense form: “They __________ the mark if they challenge the rules.”
a. overstepped
b. overstepping
c. will overstep
d. overstep
Q6. Choose the correct form to complete the sentence: “By speaking out, she __________ the mark.”
a. is overstep
b. overstepped
c. oversteps
d. overstepping
Here are your answers!
- c. They overstepped the mark by revealing confidential information.
- b. overstepped
- b. overstep
- c. He overstepped the mark by questioning the decision.
- c. will overstep
- b. overstepped
Check related blogs on Proverbs, Idioms and Synonyms!
FAQs
The idiom overstep the mark means when a person crosses a boundary or limit, which could be in speech or behaviour.
Overstepping the mark means going beyond the limit that has been specified. When it comes to English grammar, it refers to a person who has crossed the limit or boundary in some way.
The meaning of the idiom “off the mark” means to be wrong or inaccurate. Moreover, it signifies that the result needed has not been achieved.
A synonym for “overstep the mark” is ‘cross the limit.’ However, there are other synonyms of the idiom as well such as go too far, push the envelope, disobedience and unprofessional.
Overstep means to go further than the acceptable boundary or limitation.
Another word for overstepping is exceeding. There are other synonyms of the word as well such as top, transcend, and go pass.
The meaning of the idiom “up to the mark” refers to work or a job that fulfils the required standard of quality.
This was all about the Overstep the Mark Idiom. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.
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