overstepping

[/ˌoʊvərˈstɛpɪŋ/]
verb (gerund/present participle) / noun
ultrapassagem; transgressão; excesso de autoridade
1. The act of going beyond the limits of what is permitted, acceptable, or appropriate; exceeding one's authority or boundaries
The manager was overstepping his authority by making decisions without consulting the board.
O gerente estava ultrapassando sua autoridade ao tomar decisões sem consultar o conselho.
2. Physically stepping over or beyond a certain line or boundary
Be careful about overstepping the property line when mowing your lawn.
Cuidado ao ultrapassar a linha da propriedade ao cortar a grama.
3. Violating someone's personal or professional boundaries
She felt he was overstepping by asking such personal questions on a first date.
Ela sentiu que ele estava excedendo limites ao fazer perguntas tão pessoais em um primeiro encontro.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'overstepping' is frequently used in workplace, family, and social settings to indicate when someone has violated understood boundaries. In Brazilian culture, the concept of respect for hierarchy (hierarquia) makes discussions of overstepping particularly relevant in professional contexts. In American culture, the emphasis on individual rights and personal space makes this term common in discussions about personal boundaries and consent.
NYC Slang
overstepping your lane; crossing the line
Synonyms / Sinônimos
exceedingtransgressingtrespassingencroachinginfringingviolatingoverreaching
Antonyms / Antônimos
respectingobservinghonoringcomplyingrestraininglimiting

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
ultrapassando os limites; excedendo autoridade
Most common and widely understood usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
passando da linha; extrapolando
Colloquial variation emphasizing crossing a line
São Paulo
ultrapassando; excedendo poderes
More formal, especially in business contexts
Portugal
ultrapassando limites; excedendo autoridade
Similar to Brazilian usage but with slightly more formal tone

Related Words

boundarylimitauthoritytransgressionencroachmentexceedinfringeviolate

Related Idioms & Phrases

overstepping the mark
crossing the line
going too far
exceeding one's bounds
stepping out of line
getting above oneself
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