Welcome to English in a Minute.
Long ago, England controlled an area around Dubiln, Ireland know as the Pale. But what do you think beyond the pale means as an idiom?
Beyond the Pale 越轨的，出格的；无法接受的
A: This is weird. I left my sandwich in the break room, and now it's gone.
B: Oh, I think I saw Bob eating it.
A: Bob?! He's done bad things before -- but stealing my sandwich? That is beyond the pale!
B: I agree. Especially a tuna sandwich.
A: Wait. How did you know it was tuna, Dan?!
When someone's behavior is beyond the pale, they have gone past what is acceptable. It can even be offensive or immoral. I think stealing and lying are beyond the pale, Dan.
And that's English in a Minute!
