hors des clous

== French == === Alternative forms === en dehors des clous === Etymology === The limits of crosswalks used to be marked with very large-headed nails (passage clouté). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ɔʁ de klu/ === Prepositional phrase === hors des clous (literally) out of the limits of the crosswalk, outside of a designated crossing traverser hors des clous ― to jaywalk (figuratively) out of the box; off the books (not abiding by the rules) Antonym: dans les clous ==== Related terms ==== sortir des clous ==== See also ==== hors des sentiers battus