beyond the pale
The phrase "beyond the pale" originates from the English settlement in Ireland, where 'the Pale' referred to a fortified boundary. Anything beyond this boundary was considered uncivilized and unacceptable.
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Definition
C1General
(idiomatic)Outside the limits of acceptable behavior or standards.
Example
- His comments were so offensive, they were considered beyond the pale.
- Cheating in the competition was beyond the pale and led to immediate disqualification.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "beyond the pale":