Idiom
hard lines
Meanings
Used to express sympathy or mild consolation when someone has bad luck or an unfortunate outcome.
Used to comment that a situation is unfortunate, sometimes with a slightly dismissive or teasing tone meaning “too bad.”
Definition
“Hard lines” is an expression used to show sympathy for someone’s bad luck or difficult situation.
“Hard lines” is a British-style informal phrase meaning “that’s unfortunate” or “poor you.” People say it when someone has a disappointing result or runs into trouble, often with a sympathetic tone. Depending on context and tone, it can also sound mildly unsympathetic, like “too bad.”
Examples
- You missed the last train—hard lines.
- Hard lines if your phone got soaked in the storm.
- They sold out of tickets right before you got there—hard lines.
- Hard lines, but the deadline has already passed.
- If you forgot your ID, hard lines—you can’t get in.
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.