bounds

Universal Words noun [pl.] the accepted or furthest limits of sth: beyond / outside / within the bounds of decency * Public spending must be kept within reasonable bounds. * It was not beyond the bounds of possibility that they would meet again one day. * His enthusiasm knew no bounds (= was very great). IDIOMS out of bounds (to / for sb) (especially BrE) (AmE usually off limits) if a place is out of bounds or off limits, people are not allowed to go there out of bounds 1 (in some sports) outside the area of play which is allowed: His shot went out of bounds. 2 (AmE) not reasonable or acceptable: His demands were out of bounds. moreatLEAPn.