fine line

[fahyn lahyn]

noun

1. a small, barely perceptible difference.

   There's often a fine line between helping and interfering.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fine line¹

First recorded in 1845–50

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. walk a fine line,

   1. to act carefully in order to avoid the wrong outcome or maintain a delicate balance.

      Moderators walk a fine line between censorship and protecting their site's users.

      I had to walk a fine line between maintaining the peace and doing my job.

   2. to act in a way that risks a disastrous outcome.

      You’re walking a fine line, buddy—if you don’t start watching your mouth, you’ll lose the respect of your kids.