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]

Related Words

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