Phrase guide

draw the line

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To set a boundary, rule, or limit, especially on what one will tolerate.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I don't mind if they have some fun, but I draw the line at anything that might harm others.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

reasonably object (to) or set a limit (on)

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I draw the line when it comes to lending money to friends!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: draw a line

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: restrict, restrain, trammel, limit, bound, confine, throttle

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Danish: sætte grænsen — to set a boundary
  • Finnish: vetää raja — to set a boundary
  • German: eine Grenze setzen — to set a boundary
  • German: Stopp sagen — to set a boundary
  • Polish: wyznaczać granicę — to set a boundary
  • Polish: wyznaczyć granicę — to set a boundary
  • Spanish: marcar la cancha — to set a boundary
  • Spanish: poner el límite — to set a boundary
  • Spanish: fijar el linde — to set a boundary
  • Spanish: establecer el lindero — to set a boundary
  • Spanish: trazar la línea — to set a boundary