Example
“Cheating vulnerable customers is beyond the pale, whatever the profit.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
up to no good
Informal · CEFR B1
engaged in behavior that is mischievous, dishonest, or otherwise wrong
fair game
Neutral · CEFR B2
a person or thing considered an acceptable target for pursuit or criticism
hold the line
Neutral · CEFR B2
to maintain a position, decision, or principle despite pressure
no holds barred
Neutral · CEFR B2
With no limits or restrictions on how a contest, argument, or conflict is conducted.
fall foul of
Formal · CEFR C1
to get into trouble with someone or break a rule or law
not cricket
Informal · CEFR C1
unfair, dishonorable, or contrary to accepted standards of behavior
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.