crates/typst-realize/src/lib.rs

@@ -679,7 +679,12 @@ fn visit_grouping_rules<'a>(
             // by the show rule, and so on. The two must be at an equilibrium,
             // otherwise either the "maximum show rule depth" or "maximum
             // grouping depth" errors are triggered.
-            bail!(content.span(), "maximum grouping depth exceeded");
+            bail!(
+                content.span(),
+                "maximum realization iterations exceeded";
+                hint: "maybe there is a cycle between a show rule that produces content, \
+                       which is matched by a grouping rule that triggers the show rule",
+            );
         }
     }
 

tests/suite/styling/show.typ

@@ -260,7 +260,8 @@ I am *strong*, I am _emphasized_, and I am #[special<special>].
 *strong*
 
 --- issue-5690-oom-par-box ---
-// Error: 3:6-5:1 maximum grouping depth exceeded
+// Error: 3:6-5:1 maximum realization iterations exceeded
+// Hint: 3:6-5:1 maybe there is a cycle between a show rule that produces content, which is matched by a grouping rule that triggers the show rule
 #show par: box
 
 Hello