“Beyond the Pale” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 12, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Beyond the pale” is a common idiomatic phrase used often in everyday conversation. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and the information behind its origin. You will also find examples of how to properly use this phrase in conversations/statements and other ways to say this phrase in literal terms.

“Beyond the Pale” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “beyond the pale” means something that is unacceptable, outrageous, or outside the bounds of what is considered normal or acceptable behavior.
Beyond The Pale
Beyond the Pale – Created by 7ESL

“Beyond The Pale” Meaning

The phrase “beyond the pale” refers to actions or behaviors that are considered unacceptable, improper, or outside the bounds of what is deemed socially or morally acceptable. It signifies a crossing of a boundary or limit that is typically understood as acceptable conduct.

Examples:

  • “His comments during the meeting were beyond the pale and shocked everyone present.”
  • “Cheating on the exam is simply beyond the pale.”

Origin of this Idiom

Most people know the definition of the word pale to mean lacking in color, without color or a light shade of color. However, pale also has another meaning that is often not heard today. Pale, as a noun, could also mean a fence or fence line that was meant to be a boundary to keep people out or in. The first use of the idiom “beyond the pale” occurred in 1657 in a poem titled The History of Polindor and Flostella by author John Harrington.

Usage of “Beyond The Pale”

  • In a discussion about behavior:

“Her rude comments during the meeting were beyond the pale and left everyone feeling uncomfortable.”

  • Talking about unacceptable actions:

“The company’s decision to ignore safety regulations is beyond the pale and could have serious consequences.”

  • In a critique of a situation:

“What he said on social media was beyond the pale, and many of his followers expressed their disappointment.”

  • Describing extreme measures:

“The government’s response to the protests was seen as beyond the pale by many human rights organizations.”

Related Terms to “Beyond The Pale”

  • Unacceptable – not satisfactory or permissible; not allowed.
  • Out of bounds – beyond acceptable limits or restrictions; not permitted.
  • Crossing the line – to go beyond acceptable behavior or limits.
  • Impropriety – improper or inappropriate behavior; a breach of etiquette or morality.
  • Inappropriate – not proper or suitable in a given situation; lacking propriety.
  • Exceeding limits – going beyond what is acceptable or permissible.
  • Transgress – to violate a law, command, or moral code; to go beyond boundaries.
  • Radical behavior – actions that are extreme and significantly deviate from social norms.
  • Taboo – something that is prohibited or restricted by social custom; often considered unacceptable.
  • Reprehensible – deserving condemnation or criticism; morally unacceptable.

Other Ways to Say “Beyond The Pale”

There are numerous ways to say “beyond the pale” in more literal terms. Some of the other ways you could say this phrase and still convey the same meaning are we need to look above and beyond, we need to think outside the box or we need to think outside of the obvious parameters.

“Beyond The Pale” synonyms:

  • Beyond the limit
  • Out of bounds
  • Over the limit
  • Over the edge
  • Outside the limits

“Beyond The Pale” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement made in a newspaper regarding a situation in the city.

  • “We must look beyond the pale to see the bigger picture and find a solution to this problem.”

A statement made by the coach of a football team after their losing season.

  • “We will need to look beyond the pale to uncover the problems and fix them before next season begins.”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: I don’t know what else to do to ensure this project is completed successfully.
  • Co-worker 2: Perhaps it is time we search beyond the pale to find a solution.

A conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: We need to get creative with this school project to get it finished and get a good grade.
  • Friend 2: So, what you are saying is we need to look beyond the pale.

Other examples:

  • His opinions are entirely beyond the pale.
  • Those remarks he made were quite beyond the pale.
  • This sort of thing really is quite beyond the pale.
  • Try and put beyond the pale.
  • The last two were beyond the pale.
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