border on

border (up)on something

1. Lit. [for something] to touch upon a boundary. (Upon is more formal and less commonly used than on.) Our property borders on the lakeshore. The farm borders upon the railroad tracks.

2. Fig. [for some activity or idea] to be very similar to something else. (Not usually physical objects. Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) This notion of yours borders upon mutiny! That plan borders on insanity.

border on something

to be similar in quality or character I thought the author's criticism bordered on rudeness.

Usage notes: usually used about negative qualities

border on

or border upon

1. To be next to something in location: New York State borders on Lake Ontario. My property borders upon a small lake.

2. To come close to being something, especially in association, meaning, or intent; verge on something: Your harsh criticism borders on being offensive. Some of their jokes were funny, but others bordered upon the ridiculous!

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Hermogenes	-	Ancient Greek
Lene	LE-nə (German), LE-ne (Danish, Norwegian)	German, Danish, Norwegian
Aloys	-	Medieval Occitan
Clio	KLEE-o (Italian)	Greek Mythology (Latinized), Italian
Kleitos	-	Ancient Greek
Miquel	-	Catalan