down-the-line

American  

[doun-thuh-lahyn] / ˈdaʊn ðəˈlaɪn /

adjective

1. complete, full, unreserved, or whole-hearted.

   a down-the-line endorsement.

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adverb

1. whole-heartedly; fully; completely.

   Will you support it down-the-line?

down the line Idioms  

1. Also, all along the line . All the way, throughout. For example, We've found numerous errors down the line . The first term dates from the mid-1900s, the variant from the second half of the 1800s.

2. Also, down the road . At a future point or end. For example, Somewhere down the road I think he'll be elected to high office . [Second half of 1900s]

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Etymology

Origin of down-the-line

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Martinez leading the inning off with a down-the-line double before advancing to third on a grounder from Jason Heyward.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2023

Then, when Sabalenka grooved a down-the-line backhand passing winner to grab her first break and pull even at 4-all, she looked at Dubrov and Stacy in the stands, raised a fist and shouted.

From Washington Times • Jan. 28, 2023

But Azarenka conjured up a terrific down-the-line forehand passing shot to erase that chance, and wound up taking the game with a big backhand winner she accented with a shout of “Let’s go!”

From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2023

Originally, it was much more down-the-line slasher piece.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2022

A Williams return dropped just wide when she and Murray led 12-11, but she landed a backhand down-the-line winner to bring up another opportunity to close it out.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2022

Related Words

• eventual
• forthcoming
• imminent
• impending
• planned
• prospective
• subsequent
• ultimate