Idiom
hard lines
Meanings
A harsh or unsympathetic response; a blunt rejection or criticism.
Firm, strict wording or stance in a formal message or decision.
Definition
A blunt or harsh message, especially when someone is being rejected or criticized.
“Hard lines” is an informal expression used to describe a tough, unsympathetic, or unpleasant response, often when someone is turned down or told something disappointing. It can also refer to firm, strict wording in an official reply. In British English, it is commonly used to signal that the speaker is not offering sympathy or flexibility.
Examples
- When I asked for a refund, the manager gave me hard lines and shut the conversation down.
- I tried to explain, but it was hard lines from them—no extension, no exceptions.
- The council’s email was hard lines: the application had been refused.
- He expected sympathy, but it was hard lines after he ignored the warnings.
Common mistake
Learners often use “hard lines” to mean “difficult times” in general, but it usually refers to a harsh response or refusal, not hardship itself.
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 idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire Used to say something is decided or finished only at the last possible moment.
- lost the plot To become confused or behave in a way that no longer makes sense.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready for action.