Grammar fix
overstep the mark
overstep the mark
To behave in a way that goes beyond what is acceptable.
How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The journalist overstepped the mark by publishing private details about the family.
My friend overstepped the mark once by discussing my personal problems in front of everyone, although she probably did not mean to embarrass me.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He crossed the mark by reading my messages.
Say: He overstepped the mark by reading my messages.
You 'cross the line' but 'overstep the mark'; don't mix the two.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Behave in an unacceptable way
How formalConversationalMore formal
go too farSay someone's behaviour has become excessive or unacceptable.cross the lineSay someone has passed a boundary of acceptable behaviour.
overstep the markYou're here · Especially British: behave beyond acceptable limits.