go over the line

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Recenty I read the NYT’s article “Chávez Goes Over the Line, and Realizes It” where I noted an interesting expression namely “go over the line”.

"In doing so, Mr. Chávez displayed a willingness for self-reinvention that has served him well in times of crisis throughout his long political career. Time and again, he has gambled by pushing brash positions and policies, then shifted to a more moderate course when the consequences seemed too dire."

There are a few different wordings concerning the term “line” in order to reach to the logical explanation of the expression in question.

draw the line = to impose a restriction; limit
toe the line or mark = to conform strictly to a rule, command, etc.
hold the line = to maintain the status quo, esp. in order to forestall unfavorable developments
on the line = being risked or put in jeopardy; in a vulnerable position
go over the line = go beyond the limit, overstep the mark

Would you be kind enough share your opinion concerning my interpretation?

Thank for your efforts.

Regards.

V.

[Soup]

go over the line = go beyond the limit, overstep the mark

From over the line - Idioms - by the Free Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.,

over the line
beyond what is accepted. After visiting a number of bars, a handful of navy pilots went completely over the line and were picked up by police.

Usage notes: often used with step: Mister, you stepped over the line by saying that!

[vil]

Hi Soup,

Thank you for your reasoned explanation.
Thank you again for your further directions as well as for the helpful link.
Thank you also for the advisable usage note:
“Others step over the line and physically batter their children.”

Regards.

V.