Idiom
draw the line
Meanings
To set a firm boundary or limit on what is acceptable.
To distinguish clearly between two things; to make a separation.
Definition
To draw the line means to set a clear limit on what you will accept or allow.
If you draw the line, you decide the point where something becomes unacceptable and you will not go further. It is often used to talk about personal boundaries, rules, or standards. You can draw the line between two things to show a clear difference or separation.
Examples
- I’m happy to help, but I draw the line at doing your whole project for you.
- We need to draw the line and stop answering work emails after 7 p.m.
- She draws the line at lending money to friends.
- The coach drew the line when players started skipping practice.
- It’s hard to draw the line between being honest and being rude.
Common mistake
Learners often say “draw a line” when they mean setting a boundary; “draw the line” is the usual idiomatic form.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.