# line in the sand

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/line-in-the-sand
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A defining moment; a cutoff point.

## Examples

- This rule is my line in the sand.
- The manager drew a line in the sand and told the team that no more delays would be accepted.
- By refusing to compromise on his core principles, he drew a firm line in the sand that defined the future of the negotiations.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.