American Idiom: draw the line
To draw the line means to define a limit on something. It’s often used to set the limit on what one will tolerate or refuse to do.
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Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, draw the line.
Video Transcript
I need to draw the line somewhere. You cannot expect me to do all the household chores.
What’s the meaning of ‘to draw the line’ here?
It means that the person needs to divide the household chores.The person is refusing to do all the work. To draw the line means to define a limit on something. It’s often used to set the limit on what one will tolerate or refuse to do.
Here are example sentences :
You frequently play music loudly at night. I need to draw the line here. Please, no loud music after 9:00 pm!
My son frequently uses inappropriate and rough language. I had drawn the line at saying certain words.
Let’s do an exercise so that you can better remember the idiom.
For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.
Question 1:
Elizabeth calls me too frequently for help with her homework. I set the limit of calling me, no more than twice a day.
Elizabeth calls me too frequently for help with her homework. I drew the line at calling me, no more than twice a day.
Question 2:
Lawrence wanted to borrow money from Brian. Brian sets the limit on lending him, no more than $100.
Lawrence wanted to borrow money from Brian. Brian draws the line at lending him, no more than $100.
Practice makes perfect!
A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.
More questions here!
Question 1:
I don’t mind doing some gardening but I can’t at digging.
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Question 2:
Mr Park stopped at around $ 52 billion.
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