ENGLISH
REFERENCE

line in the sand

idiom
Meaning

A defining moment; a cutoff point.


Examples
SIMPLE

This rule is my line in the sand.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager drew a line in the sand and told the team that no more delays would be accepted.

COMPLEX

By refusing to compromise on his core principles, he drew a firm line in the sand that defined the future of the negotiations.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    blur the line

    To minimize or erode the distinction between two things.

  2. 02

    bottom line

    The summary or result; the most important information.

  3. 03

    bottom of the line

    The worst or lowest quality on the market, especially among a range of products.

  4. 04

    bright line

    A clear distinction in the context of a legal, moral, ethical, or analytical judgment.

  5. 05

    build on sand

    To put something in an unstable position by failing to give it a secure foundation.

  6. 06

    bury one's head in the sand

    To deliberately ignore the reality of a situation; to pretend a problem does not exist.

  7. 07

    cross the line

    To overstep a boundary, rule, or limit; to go too far or do something unacceptable.

  8. 08

    draw a line

    To delimit a boundary or border.

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