line

[laɪn]

line Definition

• 1. a long, narrow mark or band
• 2. a length of cord, rope, wire, or other material serving a particular purpose
• 3. a row or connected series of people or things

Using line: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "line" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The line on the paper was straight.

• Example

  He hung the clothes on the line to dry.

• Example

  There was a long line of people waiting to buy tickets.

line Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for line

• stripe
• streak
• queue
• file
• chain

Antonyms for line

• curve
• bend
• twist

Idioms Using line

• in line

  in alignment or in the correct sequence

  Example

  Please stand in line and wait for your turn to board the bus.

• on the line

  at risk of losing something

  Example

  His job is on the line if he doesn't meet his sales targets this quarter.

• read between the lines

  understand the hidden or implied meaning in written or spoken communication

  Example

  She didn't say it directly, but I could read between the lines and tell that she was unhappy with the decision.

Phrases with line

• draw the line

  set a limit beyond which one will not tolerate or allow something

  Example

  I don't mind helping out, but I draw the line at doing someone else's work for them.

• line up

  arrange a group of people or things in a row or queue

  Example

  The teacher asked the students to line up outside the classroom.

• toe the line

  conform to rules or standards

  Example

  If you want to keep your job, you need to toe the line and follow company policies.

Origins of line

from Old English 'līne', from Latin 'linea', meaning 'a linen thread'

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Summary: line in Brief

The term 'line' [laɪn] refers to a long, narrow mark or band, a length of cord, rope, wire, or other material serving a particular purpose, or a row or connected series of people or things. It can be used to describe a straight line on paper, hanging clothes on a line to dry, or waiting in a long line of people. Phrases like 'draw the line' and 'toe the line' denote setting limits and conforming to rules, while idioms like 'in line' and 'on the line' refer to alignment and risk.