be near the knuckle

To be likely to offend others, especially due to being sexually explicit or suggestive. A: "What did you think of the awards ceremony last night?" B: "I found the presenter's jokes to be too near the knuckle for my taste." If you want to be a great comedian, you can't be afraid of being near the knuckle from time to time. I know I was near the knuckle with those comments last night. Am I on your friend's bad side now?