in bounds

1. Within an acceptable, reasonable, or appropriate degree or limit. We encourage our employees to socialize with clients, but you must keep the relationship in bounds. The noise from your party was not in bounds of the neighborhood rules. Keep your jokes in bounds, OK?

2. sports Inside the boundary of play. The referee ruled that the player was in bounds when she caught the ball. No, that's not in bounds—the ball clearly crossed the line! I don't know how she managed to keep the ball in bounds there, but she did, and it allowed her to set up a huge goal.

3. Adherent to some prescribed laws, guidelines, codes, etc. The laws laid out within our holy book exist in order to keep people in bounds. The structures of the autocratic society keep the common man in bounds, while the rich and powerful maintain control. He's a teenager, of course he wants to rebel against the rules you've established to keep him in bounds.