off limits

UK: /ˌɒfˈlɪmɪts/

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

off limits adjective (off-limits when prenominal)

1. not to be entered; out of bounds
2. (of an activity) not allowed
3. (of a substance) not allowed to be used or consumed

adverb

1. in or into an area forbidden by regulations

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

off-lim•its /ˈɔfˈlɪmɪts/   adj. [be + ~]

1. forbidden to be visited, used, etc., by certain persons:
   The downtown area was off-limits to enlisted men.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

off-lim•its  (ôf′lim′its, of′-), adj. 

1. forbidden to be patronized, frequented, used, etc., by certain persons:
   The tavern is off-limits to soldiers.

• 1950–55, American.