hors des clous

French

Alternative forms

• en dehors des clous

Etymology

The limits of crosswalks used to be marked with very large-headed nails.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɔʁ de klu/

Prepositional phrase

hors des clous

1. (literally) out of the limits of the crosswalk, outside of a designated crossing

   traverser hors des clous ― to jaywalk

2. (figuratively) out of the box; off the books (not abiding by the rules)

   Antonym: dans les clous

Related terms

• sortir des clous

See also

• hors des sentiers battus