OUT OF LINE

(1) {adv. phr.} Not in a straight line; away from a true line. * /The two edges were out of line and there was a space between them./ * /The sergeant ordered the soldier who was out of line to get properly lined up./ (2) {adj. phr.} Not obeying or agreeing with what is right or usual; doing or being what people do not expect or accept; outside ordinary or proper limits; not usual, right, or proper. * /Little Mary got out of line and was rude to Aunt Elizabeth./ * /The teacher asked Charlie not to tell one of the jokes because it was out of line./ * /Mrs. Green thought the repair man's charge was out of line./ Compare: OUT OF HAND, OUT OF ORDER. Contrast: IN LINE(2).