off-limits

[ awf-lim-its, of- ]

adjective

1. forbidden to be patronized, frequented, used, etc., by certain persons:

   The tavern is off-limits to soldiers.

off limits

adjective

1. not to be entered; out of bounds

adverb

1. in or into an area forbidden by regulations

Word History and Origins

Origin of off-limits¹

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

But phones would be off limits once the opening bell rings, including lunch or nutrition and other breaks, until the end of the school day.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s return to the White House is thought likely to give Israel a freer hand to strike targets in Iran - like oil and nuclear facilities - that the Biden administration said were off limits.

From BBC

Nowhere was off limits, not even the morgue.

From BBC

So, as I heard the commissioner’s deputy forbidding me to enter, I wondered what transpired after my meeting with John to have both teams’ locker rooms be off limits to me.

From Los Angeles Times

China declared several areas around Taiwan off limits, and fired short-range ballistic missiles into those areas off the north and south coasts.

From BBC

Related Words

• banned
• barred
• illegal
• prohibited
• restricted