give someone line
To allow a person more or less liberty until it is convenient to stop or check him/her.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Give him some line to see what he does next.”
“The manager decided to give the new employee some line before checking his progress on the project.”
“By giving the opposition enough line, the strategist waited for them to make a critical error before launching his final counterattack.”
The expression refers to the use of a fishing line. It originates from the practice of allowing a hooked fish to run with the bait and line before tension is applied to secure the catch.
- 01
as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
- 02
beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
- 03
bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
- 04
blur the line
To minimize or erode the distinction between two things.
- 05
bottom line
The summary or result; the most important information.
- 06
bottom of the line
The worst or lowest quality on the market, especially among a range of products.
- 07
bright line
A clear distinction in the context of a legal, moral, ethical, or analytical judgment.
- 08
bring someone to their knees
To defeat and make submit to orders.
Last updated August 10, 2026