hors des clous

• en dehors des clous

The limits of crosswalks used to be marked with very large-headed nails.

• IPA^(key): /ɔʁ de klu/

hors des clous

1. (literally) out of the limits of the crosswalk, outside of a designated crossing

   traverser hors des clous ― to jaywalk

2. (figuratively) out of the box; off the books (not abiding by the rules)

   Antonym: dans les clous

• sortir des clous

• hors des sentiers battus