near the knuckle
US /nɪr ðə ˈnʌkəl/
UK /nɪr ðə ˈnʌkəl/

1.
subido de tono, de mal gusto, casi ofensivo
almost offensive or rude, especially because of being sexual or involving rude humor
:
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His jokes were a bit near the knuckle for the family gathering.
Sus chistes eran un poco subidos de tono para la reunión familiar.
•
The comedian's routine was quite near the knuckle, but the audience loved it.
La rutina del comediante fue bastante subida de tono, pero al público le encantó.