#IOTW: Idioms with “Line”

Weeks ago, we received a question from @NezarPrakasa: “the use of the word “line” in various English songs.” There are indeed many different uses of the word “line.” So, today we are going to discuss idioms using “line”!

A fine/thin line. Meaning: there is a close similarity (kemiripan sangat) between the two things.
- Example:
  - “There is a fine line between eccentricity and craziness.”
Along the lines of. Meaning: also means similarity, but used differently to ‘thin/fine line’. More like “kurang lebih seperti/tentang …”
- Example:
  - A: Did he just tell you to resign?
  - B: I can’t remember the exact words, but it’s something along the lines.
Ass on the line. Meaning: about to be blamed when things go wrong. A very informal idiom, don’t use it in formal settings.
- Example:
  - “If you do anything wrong, then your parents’ asses are on the line.”
Read between lines. Meaning: seeing what is not seen on the outside, seeing the context; seeing what’s behind it. That also answered @hirena95 ‘s question. “The flaws between lines” mean “the flaws behind it
- Example:
  - “If you try to read between the lines, you’ll see that she’s not really interested in him at the first place.”
Bottom line. Meaning: the final outcome.
- Example:
  - “Can you please tell me about the bottom line of the meetings? I had to miss some parts of it.”
Be out of line. Meaning: not suitable; shouldn’t have been done; more than expected.
- Example:
  - “The way he spoke to her about her boyfriend is out of the line.”
Down the line. Meaning: something that will happen after some time (kemudian hari).
- Example:
  - “I would love to be married but that’s a few years down the line.”
Draw the line. Meaning: setting a limit to something.
- Example:
  - “You are free to do whatever you want, but you need to draw the line somewhere.”
Drop a line. Meaning: writing a short letter to someone.
- Example:
  - “I would love to hear more about your business. Please drop me a line and let me know when we can meet.”