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As I’ve mentioned before, idioms are fun. And they can be learned in groups. Often a certain word or phrase will appear in a few different idioms with related meanings. Today we’re going to look at idioms with the word “line” in them.
A fine line
“A fine line” is used to refer to the difference between two things that can be quite similar. In this idiom, the word “fine” has a sense of “very thin,” and “line” is used to mean “boundary.” This idiom describes an unclear boundary between two very similar things.
For example, you could say “there’s a fine line between criticizing someone and insulting them.” If you say this, you are suggesting that the boundary/difference between criticizing someone or being mean to them is very small. In this way, you are warning someone that it’s hard to tell the difference between criticism and insults. “A fine” line in this context suggests that someone who is very critical of a person may accidentally insult them rather than just offering a critique.
Draw a line in the sand
This idiom also treats the word “line” as a simile for “boundary.” However, in this case, the idiom describes a boundary that can be seen very easily and absolutely should not be crossed. To “draw a line in the sand” means to clearly tell a person or group that they should not do something. This is often used in politics and war. A nation may “draw a line in the sand” by telling another country that they cannot occupy a disputed territory, or that they must agree to certain trade or diplomatic arrangements.
The party line
This idiom is interesting. “Line” is being used to mean “boundary” in one sense, and it’s also being used to mean “speech” or “a set of words.”
“The party line” is an organization’s official stated rules or beliefs. For instance, at a new job, someone might tell you “Officially, we only get a 30 minute lunch break, but that’s just the party line. On a slow day, you can take more time at lunch.” So “party line” refers both to the boundaries of a rul, and to the formal language or ideas behind the rule.
Throw someone a line
This is an especially fun “line” idiom, because it has two completely different meanings that rely on separate definitions of the word “line.” “Line” can refer to a piece of rope or string. In this sense, “throw someone a line” means to give someone something that helps them out of a bad situation. When used completely literally, it describes throwing a line of rope to someone who is drowning in deep water or is trapped in a deep pit.
However, “throwing someone a line” is usually just a figure of speech that describes the act of sending help to someone. In common everyday situations, you might say something like “I’m really busy, but my son is home sick. Could you throw me a line and babysit for me while I work?” In this case, asking someone to throw you a line is asking them to provide help in a difficult situation.
In its second meaning, “to throw someone a line” is to tell them something ridiculous or untrue. Suppose you don’t want to meet with someone, but you need a polite excuse not to meet. It could be said that you threw them a line about not being able to meet, when you really just didn’t want to go. You might throw them a line about being sick, or being busy, and so on.
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out of line
1. Not in agreement or accordance with generally accepted or established limits. That price seems way out of line with other repairmen I've dealt with.
2. Contrary to or in violation of acceptable rules, conventions, or standards; improper or inappropriate. I thought Tom's comments were totally out of line for a dinner discussion, but I didn't feel it was my place to chide him.She was definitely out of line, but she apologized to me the next day.
out of line
(with something)1.Lit. not properly lined up in a line of things. I told you not to get out of line. Now, get back in line.One of those books on the shelf is out of line with the others. Please fix it.
2.Fig. beyond certain set or assumed limits. Your bid on this project is completely out of line with our expectations.The cost of this meal is out of line with what other restaurants charge.Your asking price is quite out ofline!
3.Fig. [of something said or behavior] improper. I'm afraid that your behavior was quite out of line. I do not wish to speak further about this matter.Bill, that remark was out of line. Please be more respectful.Your request is out of line.
out of line
1. Uncalled for, improper; inappropriate. For example, His remarks were totally out of line. It is often put as get out of line or step out of line, meaning 'behave improperly,' as in She really stepped out of line when she called him incompetent in front of his boss. [Late 1700s]
2. Not in agreement with general practice, as in Their prices are way out of line with other hotels. Both def. 1 and 2 are metaphoric expressions that transfer being out of alignment to various kinds of behavior.
3. out of one's line; not in one's line. Not in one's occupation or field of interest. For example, He offered a generous salary, but the work was out of her line, or I'd love to help, but telephone solicitation is not in my line. This usage alludes to line in the sense of 'a business or occupation.' [Mid-1800s]
out of line
COMMON If one thing is out of line with another, the first thing is different from the second in a way that was not agreed, planned, or expected. This set of figures was sharply out of line with the trend.
out of line
or
way out of line
SPOKENIf someone is out of line or way out of line, they have done or said something that they should not have done or said. Addressing a fellow officer like that is out of line, and I won't stand for it, hear me?It was clear to all concerned that Peter was way out of line. Note: The line referred to here is a line of soldiers, who are expected to act as a unit. Compare with step out of line.
out of line
behaving in a way that breaks the rules or is considered disreputable or inappropriate.See also: line, of, out
out of line
mod. not in accord with what is appropriate or expected, especially in price or behavior. Your behavior is quite out of line. I shall report you.
out of line
1. Uncalled-for; improper.
See also: line, of, out
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