sobrepasar los límites
verbUpper-intermediate
What does “sobrepasar los límites” mean in English?
to overstep the mark, to go beyond acceptable limits
to overstep the mark, to go beyond acceptable limits (always negative; sobrepasar = negative, superar = positive)
Example sentences
Sus comentarios sobrepasaron claramente los límites del debate académico.
His comments clearly overstepped the boundaries of academic debate.
La decisión sobrepasa los límites de lo que este órgano tiene competencia para resolver.
The decision goes beyond the limits of what this body has the competence to resolve.
Hay que establecer con claridad dónde están los límites para que no se sobrepasen.
The boundaries need to be clearly established so that they are not overstepped.
How to use it
Sobrepasar los límites means 'to overstep the mark', 'to go beyond the limits', 'to cross the line'. It describes actions or words that exceed what is acceptable. Construction: sobrepasar los límites (de lo aceptable / de lo razonable): the phrase often specifies which limits are being crossed. Contrast with traspasar los límites (near synonym) and cruzar la línea (more informal, calque from English). The verb sobrepasar can also stand alone with a direct noun object: 'sobrepasar los plazos' (to exceed deadlines).
Common mistake
Sobrepasar los límites ≠ superar los límites (to go above limits, can be positive — surpassing expectations). Sobrepasar los límites (ethical/behavioural) is always negative. Don't confuse with cruzar una línea roja (to cross a red line, political), which is a separate idiom.
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Funciones 5.46.