cross the line

present singular third person crosses the line · participle present crossing the line · participle past crossed the line · past crossed the line

1. idiomaticTo overstep a boundary, rule, or limit; to go too far or do something unacceptable.

   I can tolerate a lot, but they really crossed the line when they broke the equipment.

   3 more examples

   I don't even know her But I feel a responsibility to do what's upstanding and right It's kinda like a code, yeah And you've been getting closer and closer, and crossing so many lines

   2012, Taylor Swift, “Girl at Home”, in Red, performed by Taylor Swift

   Bring me margaritas, champagne and red wine / We're gonna have a party / Where we all cross the line

   2020, “Monkey Business”, in Hotspot, performed by Pet Shop Boys

   Climate change protesters “crossed the line” between their right to protest and their responsibility towards the rest of the public when they caused huge tailbacks by blocking three key London roads on Monday, the policing minister, Kit Malthouse, has said.

   2021 October 5, Damien Gayle, quoting Kit Malthouse, “Climate activists crossed the line with roadblocks, says minister”, in The Guardian

   Synonyms: go too far, overstep the mark

2. To finish a race.

   Synonyms: go all the way · Antonyms: fall at the last hurdle

3. To achieve completion of something.

   Synonyms: go all the way · Antonyms: fall at the last hurdle

4. To cross the equator, as a vessel at sea.
5. broadcastingTo film from the opposite side of an imaginary axis on set in order to view the actors from the opposite direction.