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What does "line" mean?

In addition to the idioms beginning with line, also see all along (the line); along the lines of; blow it (one's lines); bottom line; chow down (line); down the line; draw a line; draw the line at; drop a line; end of the line; fall in line; feed someone a line; firing line; get a line on; go on (line); hard line; hold the line; hook, line, and sinker; hot line; in line; lay on the line; least resistance, line of; on line; out of line; party line; read between the lines; sign on the dotted line; somewhere along the line; step out of line; toe the line.

See line in WNW Idioms

all along the line

everywhere
at every turn of events

bring (or come or get) into line

to bring (or come or cause to come) into a straight row or into conformity; bring or come into alignment

down the line

completely; entirely

draw the line

or draw a line

to set a limit

get a line on

Informal to find out about

hard lines

Brit., Slang misfortune; bad luck

hit the line

Football to try to carry the ball through the opposing line
to try boldly or firmly to do something

hold the line

to stand firm; not permit a breakthrough or retreat: often used figuratively

in line

in a straight row; in alignment
in agreement or conformity
behaving properly or as required

in line for

being considered for

in line of duty

in the performance of authorized or prescribed military duty

lay it on the line

or put it on the line

to put up or pay money; pay up
to speak frankly and in detail
to stake (one's reputation, etc.) on something: usually with the object of the verb explicitly stated

line out

â Baseball to be put out by hitting a line drive that is caught by a fielder
to sing or utter forcefully, loudly, or emphatically to line out a song

line up

to form a line
to bring into a line
to organize effectively, secure a pledge of support from, etc.
to take a position (against a competitor or rival)

on a line

in the same plane; level

on line

in or into active use or production the new plant came on line this year

on the line

at great risk
at a critical juncture, as between success and failure or life and death

out of line

not in a straight line; not in alignment
not in agreement or conformity
impertinent, insubordinate, etc.

read between the lines

to discover a hidden meaning or purpose in something written, said, or done

See line in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Idioms

out of line

Uncalled-for; improper.
Unruly and out of control.

all along the line

In every place.
At every stage or moment.

down the line

All the way; throughout: Errors are to be found down the line.
At a point or an end in the future.

in line for

Next in order for: in line for the presidency.

on the line

Ready or available for immediate payment.
So as to be risked; in jeopardy: “Careers were on the line once again” (Seymour M. Hersh).

line (one's) pockets

To make a profit, especially by illegitimate means.

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What does "line" mean?

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