# walk the line

idiom

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

## Meaning

To maintain an intermediate position between contrasting choices, opinions, etc.

## Examples

- You must walk the line between being firm and being kind.
- As a manager, she has to walk the line between supporting her team and meeting the company's strict goals.
- The diplomat struggled to walk the line between honoring his country's traditions and accepting the modern reforms demanded by the public.

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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.