Lines are part of everyday life in the USA. We see them at the grocery store, in school, at concerts, and even when waiting for the bus. People stand in lines to keep things fair and organized. But did you know that there are special phrases, called idioms, that talk about lines in fun and interesting ways? These idioms help us understand what people mean, even when they don’t say it directly.
In this article, we will explore idioms about lines. These idioms can describe waiting, following rules, or getting into order. They’re used often in American English and can make conversations more colorful. You’ll learn what they mean, see how they’re used, and even get to try a short quiz at the end. Ready to learn some cool expressions? Let’s get in line and start.
Idioms About Lines
1. Get in line
Meaning: To wait your turn
Example Sentence:
- You have to get in line for lunch.
- We all got in line to see the new movie.
Other ways to say: Wait your turn, line up
Fun Fact/Origin: This is used a lot in American schools and stores to keep order.
Usage: When people need to wait fairly.
2. Cross the line
Meaning: To do something wrong or go too far
Example Sentence:
- He crossed the line when he yelled at the teacher.
- You cross the line when you cheat in games.
Other ways to say: Go too far, break the rules
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s like stepping out of the safe area into trouble.
Usage: Used when someone behaves badly.
3. Hold the line
Meaning: To stay in position or keep things steady
Example Sentence:
- The team held the line and didn’t give up.
- She held the line and kept the rules fair.
Other ways to say: Stay strong, don’t give in
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from war times when soldiers had to keep their position.
Usage: Used for standing firm or waiting.
4. Toe the line
Meaning: To follow rules or behave properly
Example Sentence:
- You must toe the line in class.
- If he doesn’t toe the line, he might get in trouble.
Other ways to say: Obey, follow the rules
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in races where runners line their toes at the start.
Usage: When someone must follow rules exactly.
5. In the pipeline
Meaning: Something is being planned or worked on
Example Sentence:
- A new video game is in the pipeline.
- They have more snacks in the pipeline for lunch.
Other ways to say: In progress, coming soon
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to things moving through a pipeline, like water or oil.
Usage: For projects or ideas not finished yet.
6. Out of line
Meaning: Acting in a rude or wrong way
Example Sentence:
- That comment was out of line.
- He was out of line for pushing someone.
Other ways to say: Misbehaving, disrespectful
Fun Fact/Origin: Like stepping out of your place in a line.
Usage: Used when someone is being rude or wrong.
7. Line of fire
Meaning: In a place where danger might happen
Example Sentence:
- He stood in the line of fire during dodgeball.
- The reporter was in the line of fire during the storm.
Other ways to say: In danger, at risk
Fun Fact/Origin: From army battles, where being in the shooting path was dangerous.
Usage: When someone is in a risky spot.
8. Drop a line
Meaning: To write or send a short message
Example Sentence:
- Drop me a line when you get home.
- My grandma dropped me a line in the mail.
Other ways to say: Send a note, text someone
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from writing letters or short notes.
Usage: Used when you want to hear from someone.
9. Line up
Meaning: To stand in a row
Example Sentence:
- We lined up for the bus.
- The kids lined up after recess.
Other ways to say: Form a line, queue
Fun Fact/Origin: Used a lot in American schools and sports.
Usage: Used for order and taking turns.
10. Along the lines of
Meaning: Similar to something
Example Sentence:
- I want something along the lines of a burger.
- The show was along the lines of a mystery story.
Other ways to say: Like, similar to
Fun Fact/Origin: Think of ideas following a path, or “line.”
Usage: When comparing things.
11. Step out of line
Meaning: To act badly or break rules
Example Sentence:
- If you step out of line, there will be a consequence.
- He stepped out of line during the game.
Other ways to say: Disobey, act up
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from marching or standing in line.
Usage: When someone doesn’t follow the rules.
12. On the line
Meaning: At risk
Example Sentence:
- His job is on the line.
- The game was on the line at the last minute.
Other ways to say: In danger, at stake
Fun Fact/Origin: Used a lot in sports and jobs.
Usage: When something important is at risk.
13. Read between the lines
Meaning: To find the hidden meaning
Example Sentence:
- You have to read between the lines in his story.
- She didn’t say she was sad, but I read between the lines.
Other ways to say: Look deeper, find the clue
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from trying to understand messages that are not clear.
Usage: When meaning isn’t said clearly.
14. Draw the line
Meaning: To set a limit
Example Sentence:
- I draw the line at yelling.
- Mom drew the line at eating candy before dinner.
Other ways to say: Set a limit, say no
Fun Fact/Origin: Like drawing a line you won’t cross.
Usage: When people set rules or stop something.
15. Line in the sand
Meaning: A clear boundary or rule
Example Sentence:
- The teacher drew a line in the sand—no phones in class.
- I set a line in the sand with my friend about honesty.
Other ways to say: Clear rule, firm limit
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from actually drawing a line in sand as a warning.
Usage: When someone sets a clear boundary.
16. Behind the lines
Meaning: In a safe or hidden place
Example Sentence:
- The supplies were kept behind the lines.
- The coach stayed behind the lines during the game.
Other ways to say: In the back, in a safe spot
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from military use, meaning away from danger.
Usage: When someone or something is not directly involved.
17. Stay in line
Meaning: To follow the rules
Example Sentence:
- You better stay in line during the field trip.
- The kids stayed in line while waiting.
Other ways to say: Behave, follow directions
Fun Fact/Origin: Teachers often say this during school events.
Usage: When people are told to act properly.
18. Live on the line
Meaning: To take big risks
Example Sentence:
- He lives on the line with wild stunts.
- The firefighters live on the line every day.
Other ways to say: Take risks, live dangerously
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in action movies and sports stories.
Usage: Used when someone faces danger often.
19. Keep someone in line
Meaning: To make sure someone behaves
Example Sentence:
- The coach kept the team in line.
- Parents work hard to keep kids in line.
Other ways to say: Keep under control, guide
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to keeping order, like in a school line.
Usage: When someone needs to be watched or guided.
20. Get your lines crossed
Meaning: To misunderstand someone
Example Sentence:
- I thought you meant tomorrow—we got our lines crossed.
- They got their lines crossed about who would bring snacks.
Other ways to say: Misunderstand, mix things up
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from phone lines getting mixed up.
Usage: When people miscommunicate.
21. Wait in line
Meaning: To stay in order while waiting
Example Sentence:
- We had to wait in line for the ride.
- She waited in line to meet the author.
Other ways to say: Stand in line, queue
Fun Fact/Origin: Very common at theme parks and schools in the USA.
Usage: When people wait their turn.
22. Line something up
Meaning: To plan or prepare something
Example Sentence:
- We lined up the chairs for the party.
- Mom lined up the week’s meals.
Other ways to say: Set up, organize
Fun Fact/Origin: Like putting items in a line before using them.
Usage: When getting things ready.
23. On the front lines
Meaning: In the most active or important position
Example Sentence:
- Nurses were on the front lines during the pandemic.
- Teachers are on the front lines of learning.
Other ways to say: In the middle of action, leading the way
Fun Fact/Origin: From battlefields where front lines were the most dangerous.
Usage: When someone is facing the hardest part of a job.
24. Out of the line of sight
Meaning: Hidden or not easily seen
Example Sentence:
- The dog hid out of the line of sight.
- Keep the surprise gifts out of the line of sight.
Other ways to say: Hidden, not visible
Fun Fact/Origin: Related to how our eyes follow a straight line.
Usage: Used when hiding something.
25. Line of duty
Meaning: During work, especially important or risky jobs
Example Sentence:
- The firefighter was hurt in the line of duty.
- Police help people in the line of duty.
Other ways to say: While working, during service
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in news stories about brave workers.
Usage: When something happens while doing your job.
Quiz: Idioms About Lines
Instructions: Choose the best meaning for each idiom. Pick A, B, or C. These questions help you practice what you’ve learned.
Question Key
1. What does “cross the line” mean?
A) Make a new line
B) Say something rude or wrong
C) Walk away quietly
2. If someone says “toe the line,” what are they asking?
A) Break the rules
B) Follow the rules
C) Leave the group
3. What does “drop a line” mean?
A) Draw a straight line
B) Say goodbye
C) Send a message or note
4. If someone is “out of line,” how are they acting?
A) Very kind
B) Out of control or rude
C) Waiting nicely
5. What does “read between the lines” mean?
A) Look at the words more closely
B) Find the hidden meaning
C) Count how many lines there are
6. What does it mean to “draw the line”?
A) Make a picture
B) Stop at a limit or rule
C) Make a plan
7. If a job is “on the line,” what does that mean?
A) It’s being done outdoors
B) It’s very safe
C) It could be lost or at risk
8. What does it mean to “get your lines crossed”?
A) To make a phone call
B) To mix up or misunderstand
C) To draw too many lines
9. If you are on the “front lines,” where are you?
A) Behind the scenes
B) At the edge of a picture
C) In the most active or important spot
10. What does “keep someone in line” mean?
A) Let them go where they want
B) Help them behave or follow rules
C) Ask them to be quiet
Answer Key
- B) Say something rude or wrong
- B) Follow the rules
- C) Send a message or note
- B) Out of control or rude
- B) Find the hidden meaning
- B) Stop at a limit or rule
- C) It could be lost or at risk
- B) To mix up or misunderstand
- C) In the most active or important spot
- B) Help them behave or follow rules
Wrapping Up
Idioms about lines are part of everyday talk in the USA. They help us say things in a clearer or more fun way. Whether you’re waiting in line or drawing the line, these expressions make language more interesting.
Now that you know these idioms, try using them at school or at home. You’ll start to notice how often people say them. Keep learning and having fun with words. Language can be simple and still very smart.
