Phrase guide

on the line

prep_phrase · 4 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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  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

On a level with the eye of the observer, as of a picture hung in on a wall.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

At risk, as in a contest or enterprise.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • The survival of the company is on the line with this project.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: at stake, on the rocks

Antonyms: none provided

3

prep_phrase

Meaning 3

Currently calling on the telephone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I have John on the line for you.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

prep_phrase

Meaning 4

On one of the lines marked on a playing field or court; (by extension) within bounds.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports

Examples

  • The ball was on the line but the umpire ruled it out.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

16 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: en jeu — at risk
  • German: auf dem Spiel — at risk
  • German: auf der Kippe — at risk
  • German: auf Messers Schneide — at risk
  • Russian: на кону (na konu) — at risk
  • Spanish: en juego — at risk
  • Swedish: på spel — at risk
  • Finnish: linjalla — on the telephone
  • Finnish: langan päässä — on the telephone
  • French: en ligne — on the telephone
  • German: in der Leitung — on the telephone
  • German: an der Strippe — on the telephone
  • Russian: на проводе (na provode) — on the telephone
  • Finnish: viivalla — sports:on a line marked on field or court
  • Finnish: linjalla — sports:on a line marked on field or court
  • German: auf der Linie — sports:on a line marked on field or court