usurp another's authority; overstep one's bounds; meddle in others' affairs
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesidiom
to exceed one's authority; to meddle in others' affairs; to usurp another's function
neutralUsed to criticize interference in matters outside one's proper scope of responsibility. Often used as advice against such behavior. The tone is usually negative or cautionary.
Parents should not overstep their bounds and should let children learn to complete tasks independently.
If leaders always usurp their subordinates' authority, it will dampen the enthusiasm of their staff.
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This is his job; you should not interfere and do it for him.
When handling interdepartmental coordination issues, one must avoid the suspicion of overstepping authority.
idiom
lit. (of the master of sacrifices) to step over the sacrificial altar and replace the cook
archaicThis is the original literal meaning from the Zhuangzi (庄子), describing the proper division of labor in ancient sacrificial ceremonies. The cook (庖人) should cook, and the priest (尸祝) should perform sacrifices, without interfering with each other.
The Zhuangzi records: 'Even if the cook does not cook, the priest should not step over the altar to replace him.'