overstep
gb/ˈoʊvɚstˌɛp/ us/ˈoʊvɚstˌɛp/
C1
English
túllép, átlép egy határt, átlép
VERB
C1
FORMAL
1
túllép
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] oversteps [a limit/boundary]
The manager overstepped his authority by changing the contract without approval.
A vezető túllépte a hatáskörét, amikor jóváhagyás nélkül módosította a szerződést.
I don’t want to overstep, but I think you should get a second opinion.
Nem akarok átlépni egy határt, de szerintem kérj egy második véleményt.
The journalist was accused of overstepping ethical boundaries to get the story.
Learner examples
He overstepped his authority.
Túllépte a hatáskörét.
Sorry if I overstep.
Bocsánat, ha átlépek egy határt.
Common mistake:
Learners may use "overstep" for physical movement; for that meaning, "step over" is more common.
Meaning
go beyond allowed limits
Collocations
overstep your authority
|overstep the limits
|overstep your role
|overstep your responsibilities
|overstep the bounds
|overstep the mark
|overstep the line
|overstep the rules
|overstep a boundary
|overstep a limit
Synonyms
exceed (More general and less focused on rules or propriety.)
|
transgress (Stronger and more formal; emphasizes breaking a rule or moral boundary.)
Antonyms
comply (Stay within rules or requirements rather than going beyond them.)
|
respect (Show regard for limits or boundaries instead of crossing them.)
Themes
law
|work
|social_rules
|conflict
Definition
To go too far and do something you should not do.
To go beyond what is acceptable, permitted, or within your authority; to exceed proper limits or boundaries.
VERB
C1
2
átlép
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] oversteps [a line/boundary]
Please don’t overstep the safety line.
Kérjük, ne lépje át a biztonsági vonalat.
As he overstepped the threshold, the sensor alarm went off.
Amikor átlépte a küszöböt, megszólalt a riasztó.
Learner examples
Do not overstep the line.
Ne lépd át a vonalat.
She overstepped the threshold.
Átlépte a küszöböt.
Common mistake:
This sense is less common than the figurative one; in everyday speech, people usually say "step over" or "cross."
Meaning
step across a boundary
Collocations
overstep the line
|overstep the boundary
|overstep the threshold
|overstep the border
|overstep the mark
Synonyms
step over (Most common everyday wording for the physical action.)
|
cross (More general; not limited to stepping with the foot.)
Antonyms
stay within (Remain inside a boundary rather than crossing it.)
|
avoid (Keep away from the boundary or obstacle instead of crossing it.)
Themes
movement
|daily_life
Definition
To step over something or go across a line.
To step over something or cross a physical boundary or line with your foot.
Grammar
Dictionary form
overstep
IPA
GB/ˈoʊvɚstˌɛp/
US/ˈoʊvɚstˌɛp/
Syllables & stress
over - step (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (over)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: overstep
- 3rd Person Singular: oversteps
- Present Participle: overstepping
- Past: overstepped
Word family
Forms
oversteps
verb
overstepping
verb
overstepped
verb
Core family
step
verb A1
Related words
overreach
verb
Expressions
overstep the bounds
1/ˈoʊvɚstˌɛp ðə bˈaʊndz/
fixed phrase
formal
go beyond acceptable limits
To go past the limits of what is allowed.
Examples
- The court said the agency overstepped the bounds of its powers.
- She felt the questions overstepped the bounds of decency.
Learner examples
- They overstepped the bounds.
- Don’t overstep the bounds of your role.
overstep the line
1/ˈoʊvɚstˌɛp ðə lˈaɪn/
fixed phrase
cross an acceptable boundary
To do something that is not acceptable.
Examples
- The coach overstepped the line when he insulted the referee.
- I know I overstepped the line, and I want to make it right.
Learner examples
- He overstepped the line.
- I overstepped the line.
overstep the mark
1/ˈoʊvɚstˌɛp ðə mˈɑɹk/
fixed phrase
go too far socially
To do something that is not acceptable or polite.
Examples
- I think you overstepped the mark when you joked about her salary.
- He apologized for overstepping the mark during the meeting.
- The article overstepped the mark by naming private individuals.
Learner examples
- You overstepped the mark.
- I’m sorry—I overstepped the mark.