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

1.
limite, osé, un peu vulgaire
almost offensive or rude, especially because of being sexual or involving rude humor
:
•
His jokes were a bit near the knuckle for the family gathering.
Ses blagues étaient un peu limites pour la réunion de famille.
•
The comedian's routine was quite near the knuckle, but the audience loved it.
Le numéro du comédien était assez limite, mais le public a adoré.