to be extended past the point of stability or what is warranted by the facts, or to have slightly exceeded the bounds of competence, credibility, or prudence, such that one now risks embarrassment or potentially losing control of the situation should things accelerate; from the principle in downhill skiing that the one should remain balanced properly over the skis’ contact points, so as to avoid loss of equilibrium and a potential wild tumble down the slope, which can happen quickly depending on the steepness of the mountain; to be out over one’s skis is usually due to callowness or eagerness but not bad intent, and the use of this expression can be a gentle admonition to someone without impugning their motivations, as in “I know you wanted to make a good impression but disclosing those results early means we’re now a bit over our skis”
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