out of line

1. 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]

2. 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.

3. 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]

Example Sentences

That “Cross” is a serial-killer series is not out of line with the Patterson oeuvre.

From Los Angeles Times

“Florida’s deadly abortion ban is out of line with the values of our state,” Brenzel said.

From Salon

“I was really upset that production knew for an hour, and they didn’t tell me. They were out of line, and I think they should have taken me aside and said, ‘Your mom has passed.

From Los Angeles Times

Warnock added: "He's got a sense of 'I don't want to cross him'. You have to have a fear factor when you play for a manager so you don't step out of line."

From BBC

Said Claypool: “It’s like the corporate money Death Star, with a big powerful laser gun of cash, ready to end the political career of whoever steps out of line.”

From Slate

Related Words

• disorderly
• drunken
• fractious
• impulsive
• lawless
• ornery
• quarrelsome
• rebellious
• recalcitrant
• reckless
• restive
• riotous
• rowdy
• turbulent
• uncontrollable
• unmanageable
• violent
• wayward