[out of bounds] {adv.}
or {adj. phr.}
1. Outside of the boundary lines in a game; not on or inside the playing field.
* /Bill thought he had scored a touchdown, but he had stepped out of bounds before he reached the goal line./
2. Outside of a circumscribed area for a certain kind of work, such as construction or military site.
* /The principal told the students that the new gymnasium being built on the school grounds was out of bounds./* /The captain's cabin is out of bounds to the passengers on the ship./
Contrast: WITHIN BOUNDS. 3. Outside of safe or proper limits; not doing what is proper; breaking the rules of good behavior.
* /John was out of bounds when he called Tom a liar in the meeting./* /His request for a 25% salary raise was totally out of bounds./
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