Useful Idioms and Phrasal Verbs with "Line"
What do you think of when you hear the word "line"? Do you imagine people waiting outside of a restaurant or at the post office? Do you know any other ways it can be used?
"Line" is actually a common word in many idioms native speakers use every day, in both formal and casual situations. This article will take a look at them as well as one phrasal verb with several important uses.
Idioms with “Line”
Draw the line
"Drawing the line" is setting a limit for what is acceptable or tolerable.
If we allow this, they will try something more extreme next time. Where do we draw the line?
Although it can be used in serious situations, people often use it in joking ways as well.
I can accept pineapple on a pizza, but I draw the line at mayonnaise!
[= Mayonnaise on a pizza is not acceptable]
Cross the line
In the previous idiom, "line" represents a limit, but this idioms is about going beyond a limit.
"Crossing the line" is moving from something that is appropriate to something that is inappropriate. This change can happen through words or through actions.
His comments definitely crossed the line. I can't believe how rude he was.
I'd like to ask you a personal question, but I don't want to cross the line.
Down the line
Something that happens "down the line" happens in the future, but you don't know exactly when.
If we don't take care of this now, it may become a problem down the line.
I had a feeling we would meet again somewhere down the line.
Read between the lines
"Reading between the lines" means noticing details and understanding a situation beyond what is obvious.
The company appears to be healthy, but if you read between the lines, you'll see that it has many problems.
To be in line
Something that's "in line" is under control and operating appropriately.
We checked all of our equipment, and everything is in line and working correctly.
When referring to people and using verbs like "get," "stay" and "keep" instead of "be," the nuance is that one side has more power or control over the other.
Anyone protesting the government could be arrested and put in jail. That threat keeps most protestors in line.
To step out of line
Stepping "out of line" means breaking the rules or acting inappropriately.
Our boss is very strict; she doesn't allow anyone to step out of line.
To be in line with ~
If one thing is "in line with" something else, the two match or are almost the same.
The sales results are in line with our expectations for this quarter.
On the line
Something "on the line" is in danger of being lost.
Emergency doctors need to remain calm in stressful situations when lives are on the line.
Related article: English Phrases for Emergencies
Put (something) on the line
If you "put something on the line," you're risking it in a bet or a gamble.
He believed his idea strongly enough to put his reputation on the line.
To be in line for ~
If you're "in line for" something, you're expected to receive it soon or before others.
Josh has been working hard, and he's in line for a promotion this year.
Pick-up lines
A pick-up line (or sometimes just "line") is a phrase that is meant to attract a romantic partner. These are usually considered rude, or simply unoriginal and silly.
I wonder if he's ever gotten a date with those cheesy pick-up lines he uses.
Uses of the Phrasal Verb “Line Up”
Compared to other verbs (like "look" and "make"), there aren't many phrasal verbs you can form with "line." However, one — "line up" — has a few different meanings that depend on the situation.
To wait in a line
Many customers were lined up outside, waiting for the store to open.
In British English, it's common for people to say "queue up" instead.
It's first-come-first-served, so please queue up here.
To arrange in a straight row
She has a small collection of tiny statues lined up on her shelf.
To prepare
I've got a few fun activities lined up for my vacation next week.
To arrange (activities) one after another
I have several meetings lined up today, so I'll be busy until the evening.
To move into a specific position
The pool player took his time to line up the perfect shot.
Wrap-up
We use "line" to talk about limits, positions and even things that are likely to happen in the future. As we mentioned before, these idioms are common in all types of English communication, so we recommend learning them all — they will definitely come in handy somewhere down the line!
If you'd like to practice using any of these expressions, book a lesson on Engoo — we have tutors around the world ready to help you any time of the day.
