Idiom
down the line
Meanings
In the future; at a later time.
At a later stage in a process or sequence, after earlier steps are completed.
Definition
At a later time in the future, often after some delay or further development.
"Down the line" means at a later time, not right now. It often suggests something will happen after other steps are completed or after a period of time. It can be used in both personal and business situations to talk about future effects or decisions.
Examples
- We can talk about promotions down the line, but first you need to finish training.
- If we skip maintenance now, we’ll pay for it down the line.
- I’d like to buy a house down the line when my savings are bigger.
- Let’s keep the design simple so updates are easier down the line.
More idiom (adverbial phrase)s
- come hell or high water Used to emphasize that you will do something no matter what difficulties happen.
- in a nutshell “In a nutshell” means in a very brief and clear summary.
- by the book If you do something by the book, you follow the official rules exactly.
- out of left field Used to describe something surprising or unexpected, especially because it seems unrelated to what …
- once in a blue moon Very rarely; almost never.