within limits
idiom
: without going beyond what is considered reasonable or allowable
They told us that we could do whatever we liked, within (certain) limits.
Examples of within limits in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In contrast, cyberattacks are numerous and constant, and deterring them is more like deterring ordinary crime: the goal is to keep it within limits.
—
Joseph S. Nye Jr., Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2021
The choice of an unmanned target likely signaled Tehran’s desire to escalate within limits, but its action still forced an American response.
—Afshon Ostovar, Foreign Affairs, 28 June 2019
The commission report also noted that federal government reviews of pesticide residues have found the majority are within limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
—Knvul Sheikh, New York Times, 22 May 2025
But after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the Bush administration expanded the 287(g) program that allows local and state officials to enter into cooperation agreements with federal immigration enforcement, within limits.
—Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for within limits
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Joseph S. Nye Jr., Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2021
The choice of an unmanned target likely signaled Tehran’s desire to escalate within limits, but its action still forced an American response.
—Afshon Ostovar, Foreign Affairs, 28 June 2019
The commission report also noted that federal government reviews of pesticide residues have found the majority are within limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
—Knvul Sheikh, New York Times, 22 May 2025
But after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the Bush administration expanded the 287(g) program that allows local and state officials to enter into cooperation agreements with federal immigration enforcement, within limits.
—Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for within limits
Cite this Entry
“Within limits.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/within%20limits. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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