Grammar fix
cross the line
go too far
to behave in a way that is unacceptable or inappropriate, especially by breaking a rule or upsetting someone
collocationB2common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- He was joking at first, but then he crossed the line and made everyone uncomfortable.relationships
- In my opinion, it's important to speak honestly, but if you insult someone, you cross the line and it becomes disrespectful.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: cross the line (with something/when doing something)
WrongShe crossed over the line with that remark.
RightShe crossed the line with that remark.
The fixed idiom is 'cross the line' — not 'cross over the line'.
Patterncross the line (with something/when doing something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Crossed the line' says 'went too far' in three words; the formal version reads like a disciplinary letter.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
cross the line (+ with)with thatcompletelysomewherethis time
Don't confuse it
Not to be confused with 'draw the line', which means to set a limit.