Beyond The Pale

Pronunciation: /biˈjɑnd ðə peɪl/

Definitions of beyond the pale

noun a noun phrase used to describe something that is outside the bounds of acceptable behavior or standards

Example Sentences

A1 The concept of 'beyond the pale' is difficult for me to understand.

A2 She felt that his behavior was beyond the pale and unacceptable.

B1 His actions were deemed beyond the pale by the company's standards.

B2 The decision to cut funding for the program was seen as beyond the pale.

C1 The politician's remarks were considered beyond the pale and caused a public outcry.

C2 The company's unethical practices were beyond the pale and led to a major scandal.

preposition a preposition indicating the location or position of something in relation to a boundary or limit

Example Sentences

A1 The idea of leaving the house without telling anyone is beyond the pale.

A2 His behavior at the party was beyond the pale and upset many guests.

B1 Her comments during the meeting were considered beyond the pale by her colleagues.

B2 The company's decision to cut employee benefits was seen as beyond the pale.

C1 The politician's actions were beyond the pale and led to widespread criticism.

C2 The company's unethical practices were deemed beyond the pale by industry regulators.

Examples of beyond the pale in a Sentence

formal His behavior at the company dinner was beyond the pale and completely unacceptable.

informal I can't believe she said that, it's just beyond the pale.

slang The way he treated her was beyond the pale, like who does that?

figurative The level of corruption in that government is beyond the pale, it's truly shocking.

Grammatical Forms of beyond the pale

• past tense: went beyond the pale
• plural: beyond the pales
• comparative: more beyond the pale
• superlative: most beyond the pale
• present tense: goes beyond the pale
• future tense: will go beyond the pale
• perfect tense: has gone beyond the pale
• continuous tense: is going beyond the pale
• singular: beyond the pale
• positive degree: beyond the pale
• infinitive: to go beyond the pale
• gerund: going beyond the pale
• participle: gone beyond the pale

Origin and Evolution of beyond the pale

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'beyond the pale' originated in Ireland, specifically referring to the area within the English Pale in Dublin. The Pale was a boundary established by the English government in the late 14th century to separate English-controlled territory from the rest of Ireland.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase 'beyond the pale' has evolved to mean something that is outside the bounds of acceptable behavior or standards. It is now commonly used in a figurative sense to describe actions or ideas that are considered unacceptable or inappropriate.