Idiom
draw the line
Meanings
To set a firm limit or boundary on what is acceptable or allowed.
To refuse to go further or get involved beyond a certain point.
Definition
To draw the line means to set a clear limit on what you will accept or do.
To draw the line is to decide a firm boundary about behavior, rules, or involvement. It often expresses that you will allow some things but not others. People use it to show where they stop agreeing, helping, paying, or tolerating something.
Examples
- I’m happy to help, but I draw the line at working every weekend.
- The school draws the line at bullying of any kind.
- We can joke around, but don’t draw the line too late and regret it.
- She draws the line when clients start yelling at her staff.
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 a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious 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 a quick update or confirm plans.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something important that you were responsibl…
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a friendly, informal chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of your actions or a difficult situation.