Word: Out of Bounds
Definition:
"Out of bounds" means an area that you are not allowed to enter or that is outside the limits set for a certain activity, like a game or sport. It can refer to the physical boundaries of a playing field or any area where access is restricted.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "out of bounds" when talking about sports, games, or any situation where there are rules about where you can go. It's often used to describe situations where someone has crossed a line or boundary where they shouldn’t have.
Example Sentence:
- "When the player stepped on the line, the referee called it out of bounds, and the other team got the ball."
Advanced Usage:
In a more figurative sense, "out of bounds" can also refer to topics or behaviors that are considered unacceptable or inappropriate in conversation or social situations.
Example Sentence (Advanced):
- "Discussing politics at the family dinner was out of bounds, so we talked about our vacation instead."
Word Variants:
While "out of bounds" is commonly used, you might also encounter "in bounds," which means inside the allowed area.
Different Meaning:
In another context, "out of bounds" can mean something is not allowed or acceptable in a broader sense, like in social situations or discussions.
Synonyms:
- Forbidden - Restricted - Prohibited - Not allowed
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that use "out of bounds," but the concept can be expressed in different ways: - "Cross the line" – which means to go beyond acceptable limits in behavior.
Example Sentence (Idiom):
- "He really crossed the line when he made that joke; it was definitely out of bounds."
In summary, "out of bounds" is a useful term in both sports and social contexts to indicate limits and boundaries.