What is "to keep within bounds"

Bound \Bound\ (bound), n. [OE. bounde, bunne, OF. bonne, bonde, bodne, F. borne, fr. LL. bodina, bodena, bonna; prob. of Celtic origin; cf. Arm. bonn boundary, limit, and boden, bod, a tuft or cluster of trees, by which a boundary or limit could be marked. Cf. Bourne.] The external or limiting line, either real or imaginary, of any object or space; that which limits or restrains, or within which something is limited or restrained; limit; confine; extent; boundary.

He hath compassed the waters with bounds.
--Job xxvi. 10.

On earth's remotest bounds.
--Campbell.

And mete the bounds of hate and love.
--Tennyson.

To keep within bounds, not to exceed or pass beyond assigned limits; to act with propriety or discretion.

Syn: See Boundary.