pale

be beyond the pale

if someone's behaviour is beyond the pale, it is not acceptable. Her recent conduct is beyond the pale.

See also: beyond

fade/pale into insignificance

if something pales into insignificance, it does not seem at all important when compared to something else. When your child's ill, everything else pales into insignificance. With the outbreak of war all else fades into insignificance.

go beyond the pale

be beyond the pale - if someone's behaviour is beyond the pale, it is not acceptable. His behaviour at the meeting was going beyond the pale.

See also: beyond

pale by/in comparison

to seem less serious or less important when compared with something else. I thought I was badly treated but my experiences pale in comparison with yours. (often + with)

See also: comparison

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beyond the pale

not acceptable to most people. For most people, a discussion like this has been simply beyond the pale.

Etymology: based on a past meaning of pale (= an area in Ireland, Scotland, or France controlled by England), and the idea that places outside this area were dangerous for the English

See also: beyond

pale in comparison (with something)

to seem lacking in importance or quality than something else. I thought I had a frightening accident, but mine pales in comparison with yours.

See also: comparison