off the reservation

English

Etymology

From go off the reservation.

Pronunciation

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Prepositional phrase

off the reservation

1. (idiomatic) Violating rules or decorum; out of bounds.
2. (US, politics) Having broken with one's party or group, usually temporarily.
   • 1999, Martin Plissner, The Control Room: How Television Calls the Shots in Presidential Elections:

     While politicians remained blackballed on opening night, the Clintonites' search for "real people" was not limited to the obscure. Thomason floated Billy Graham's name, but Hillary worried that he might get off the reservation on abortion.

Synonyms

• beyond the pale