Go too far

verb phrase

To do something more than what is acceptable or suitable.

I think you went too far when you started criticizing her personal life.
Visual representation of "go too far" - to do something more than what is acceptable or suitable

Often appears as...

  • you've gone too far
  • don't go too far

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb phrase

To extend beyond an intended goal.

They went too far in their punishment of the child.
Visual representation of "go too far" - to extend beyond an intended goal

Often appears as...

  • don't go too far
  • went too far with

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb phrase

To physically move further than necessary.

I'm afraid we've gone too far and missed our turn.
Visual representation of "go too far" - to physically move further than necessary

Often appears as...

  • went too far up
  • go too far down
verb phrase

To do something more than what is acceptable or suitable.

I think you went too far when you started criticizing her personal life.
Visual representation of "go too far" - to do something more than what is acceptable or suitable

Often appears as...

  • you've gone too far
  • don't go too far

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb phrase

To extend beyond an intended goal.

They went too far in their punishment of the child.
Visual representation of "go too far" - to extend beyond an intended goal

Often appears as...

  • don't go too far
  • went too far with

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb phrase

To physically move further than necessary.

I'm afraid we've gone too far and missed our turn.
Visual representation of "go too far" - to physically move further than necessary

Often appears as...

  • went too far up
  • go too far down
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "go too far"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Sensitivity

Use 'go too far' when someone exceeds social norms or polite behavior.

Illustration for Context Sensitivity
When he joked about her job, that was going too far.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Criticism Caution

Apply 'go too far' to suggest criticism is not merely strong, but inappropriate or excessive.

Illustration for Criticism Caution
Your review went too far; it got personal.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Impact

'Go too far' often signals that feelings have been hurt by someone's actions.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
I was okay with the teasing, but you went too far this time.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Sensitivity

Use 'go too far' when someone exceeds social norms or polite behavior.

Illustration for Context Sensitivity
When he joked about her job, that was going too far.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Criticism Caution

Apply 'go too far' to suggest criticism is not merely strong, but inappropriate or excessive.

Illustration for Criticism Caution
Your review went too far; it got personal.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Impact

'Go too far' often signals that feelings have been hurt by someone's actions.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
I was okay with the teasing, but you went too far this time.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Sensitivity

Use 'go too far' when someone exceeds social norms or polite behavior.

Illustration for Context Sensitivity
When he joked about her job, that was going too far.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Criticism Caution

Apply 'go too far' to suggest criticism is not merely strong, but inappropriate or excessive.

Illustration for Criticism Caution
Your review went too far; it got personal.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Impact

'Go too far' often signals that feelings have been hurt by someone's actions.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
I was okay with the teasing, but you went too far this time.
Visual representation of the word "Go too far"

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