English Explanatory Dictionary

go off the reservation

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To leave an Indian reservation to which one was restricted.
  2. To break with one's party or group, usually temporarily.
  3. To engage in disruptive activity outside normal bounds.
  4. To act in an independent, uncontrolled, or unauthorized manner.

Word forms

go off the reservation goes off the reservation going off the reservation went off the reservation gone off the reservation

Etymology

By analogy with a member of the tribe leaving an Indian reservation.

Synonyms

go beyond the pale go off the res go off the rez go rogue jump the reservation

Related words

nonreservation off-reserve

Derived words

off the reservation
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