1. Home
2. Idioms
3. be beyond the pale

be beyond the pale

---

---

be beyond the pale

To be unacceptable or inappropriate. A "pale" is an area bounded by a fence. Disrupting my class is beyond the pale, young lady—go to the principal's office! Most people would consider stealing to be beyond the pale.

See also: beyond, pale

be beyond the pale

if someone's behaviour is beyond the pale, it is not acceptable Her recent conduct is beyond the pale.

See also: beyond, pale