beyond the pale Definition

pale²
noun

1. A wooden or metal post or stake used for making fences.
2. A fence made of these; a boundary fence.
3. heraldry.
A broad stripe on a shield extending from top to bottom.

Derivative: paly
adj

Divided by vertical lines.

Idiom: beyond the pale

Outside the limits of acceptable behaviour; intolerable. See also paling.

Etymology: 14c: from Latin palus stake.