off the reservation
1. Outside the bounds of control, propriety, or acceptance of a given group. The phrase refers to the forced relocation of Native Americans to Indian reservations in the United States. Because of this origin, the phrase can be considered offensive or inappropriate. The youths in this area seems content to remain largely off the reservation, as if they are beholden to no form of authority.
2. Different or contrary to the accepted norm. The vice president seems to be off the reservation regarding his views on legalizing marijuana.
go off the reservation
1. To go or act outside the bounds of control, propriety, or acceptance of a given group. The phrase refers to the forced relocation of Native Americans to Indian reservations in the United States. Because of this origin, the phrase can be considered offensive or inappropriate. The youths in this area are going off the reservation more and more these days, disregarding anything they see as a form of authority.
2. To think or act differently or contrary to the accepted norm. The vice president seems to have gone off the reservation regarding his views on legalizing marijuana.
be off the reservation
1. To be outside the bounds of control, propriety, or acceptance of a given group. The phrase refers to the forced relocation of Native Americans to Indian reservations in the United States. Because of this origin, the phrase can be considered offensive or inappropriate. The youths in this area act like they are off the reservation more and more these days, disregarding anything they see as a form of authority.
2. To think or act differently or contrary to the accepted norm. The vice president seems to be off the reservation regarding his views on legalizing marijuana.
with reservations
With doubts or feelings of unease. Although Jim signed the contract, he did so with reservations about whether he was actually making the best decision.