becomes off-limits

[bɪˈkʌmz ɔːf ˈlɪmɪts]
verb phrase
torna-se proibido; fica proibido; passa a ser vedado
1. transitions into a state where something is forbidden, restricted, or not permitted to be accessed, discussed, or used
After the scandal, that topic becomes off-limits in office conversations.
Após o escândalo, esse tópico fica proibido nas conversas do escritório.
2. is declared as prohibited or excluded from consideration or discussion
Certain areas of the facility become off-limits due to safety concerns.
Certas áreas da instalação tornam-se proibidas devido a preocupações de segurança.
3. is no longer available or acceptable for a particular purpose or person
Once you're in a relationship, flirting with others becomes off-limits.
Quando você está em um relacionamento, flertar com outros passa a ser proibido.
This phrase is commonly used in American English to establish social boundaries in workplace, educational, and personal contexts. In Brazilian Portuguese, similar restrictions are often expressed with 'proibido' or 'vedado,' reflecting cultural attitudes toward rules and social norms. The concept emphasizes mutual respect and defined limits in relationships and professional settings.
NYC Slang
becomes a no-go; becomes outta bounds
Synonyms / Sinônimos
becomes prohibitedbecomes forbiddenbecomes restrictedbecomes taboobecomes unavailable
Antonyms / Antônimos
becomes allowedbecomes permittedbecomes accessiblebecomes availablebecomes unrestricted

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
torna-se proibido; fica proibido
most common and widely understood translation
Rio de Janeiro
fica proibido; vira proibido
informal, colloquial usage
São Paulo
passa a ser proibido; torna-se vedado
formal or business context preferred
Portugal
torna-se interdito; fica proibido
uses 'interdito' for more formal contexts

Related Words

off-limitsprohibitedforbiddenrestrictedtaboobanned

Related Idioms & Phrases

off the table
crossing the line
don't go there
hands off
no-go zone
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