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What does draw a line in the sand mean?
What does line in the sand mean?
Is line in the sand a bad idiom?
Why do soldiers draw lines in the sand?
Is draw a line in the sand a proverb?
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Line in the sand is an idiom, a metaphorical (sometimes literal) point beyond which no further advance will be accepted or made. Related terms include unilateral boundary setting, red lines and ultimatums to define clear consequences if a line is crossed.
The idiom "line in the sand" refers to a point of no return, a boundary that cannot be crossed, or a decision that has been made and cannot be changed. It is used to describe a situation where someone has taken a stance and is unwilling to back down, even if it means facing consequences.
The idiom “line in the sand” is widely used to describe a point beyond which one will not tolerate or accept something. It is often used in situations where someone wants to establish clear boundaries or make a strong statement about their position on an issue.
- Meaning
- Example Sentences
- Origin
a boundary beyond which one cannot proceed without consequencesa set limit which has to be adhered to strictly by someoneHis resolve to either get a paid internship or drop out of school was his line in the sand.She drew a line in the sandwhen she asked David to choose between her and his job.The teacher drew a line in the sandby demanding the students get 50% in the exams or risk resitting the exams next year.Tired of the athlete’s antics, the coach drew a line in the sandand asked that either the athlete showed up for all the practices or be kicked off the team.This phrase goes back to the Roman Empire when a Macedonian king decided to invade Egypt as he was short of cash. Egypt was a roman protectorate then and at the border, he was met by Popillius Laenas who was a roman senator. Popillius drew a circle around the king and demanded that the king retreat before he can step out of the circle. The king wit...
A figurative boundary that someone or some group refuses to cross or beyond which no further advance or compromise is accepted. (Used especially in the phrase "draw a line in the sand.") The allocation of this new tax to pay for building schools has become a line in the sand for the governor's administration.
draw a line in the sand. Fig. to create or declare an artificial boundary and imply that crossing it will cause trouble. Todd drew a line in the sand by giving his roommate an ultimatum about his sloppiness—he had to start cleaning up after himself or move out. See also: draw, line, sand.
It is often used when someone needs to assert themselves or set a firm stance. For example, if a friend keeps borrowing your clothes without permission, you might say, 'I had to draw a line in the sand and tell them they can't take my clothes without asking.'
