Question

in_the_loop_042 beyond or outside the limits of morally or socially acceptable behavior The word pale in this expression should not be confused with the adjective meaning “colorless.” Here, pale means a region surrounded by a paling or fence and ruled by a governing body. In British history, the pale was the area in and around Dublin, Ireland, which was colonized and ruled by the English. Beyond the pale was anything outside this area. To the English, this was synonymous with being outside law and order, i.e. outside civilization.

Accepted Answer

BEYOND THE PALE That remark Jerry made wasn’t simply in poor taste. It was beyond the pale.Ron received an invitation to dinner and didn’t have the decency to let his hosts know he wouldn’t be able to attend. I think that kind of behavior is beyond the pale.

Id	in_the_loop_042
Idiom	BEYOND THE PALE
Definition	beyond or outside the limits of morally or socially acceptable behavior
Examples	That remark Jerry made wasn’t simply in poor taste. It was beyond the pale. Ron received an invitation to dinner and didn’t have the decency to let his hosts know he wouldn’t be able to attend. I think that kind of behavior is beyond the pale.
Extra Info	The word pale in this expression should not be confused with the adjective meaning “colorless.” Here, pale means a region surrounded by a paling or fence and ruled by a governing body. In British history, the pale was the area in and around Dublin, Ireland, which was colonized and ruled by the English. Beyond the pale was anything outside this area. To the English, this was synonymous with being outside law and order, i.e. outside civilization.

Pale Behavior Ruled Loop Limits Morally Socially Acceptable