draw a line between

Idioms

Also, draw the line between. Define a limit between two groups, courses of action, or the like. For example, Legally it's important to draw a line between private and public enterprises, or We'll have to draw the line between our department's different jurisdictions. This metaphoric idiom was first recorded in 1793. Also see draw the line at.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I draw a line between my professional and own personal life, as compared to my attending events as a journalist," Griffiths said.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Some of this he talks out with an ethnographer named Mark de Rond who suggests that it’s empowering to draw a line between good and evil.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2025

Here, we have to draw a line between the removals and the detention.

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2025

In the clay world, he said, there’s always talk about functional versus nonfunctional pottery, attempting to draw a line between the two.

From Seattle Times • May 8, 2024

On paper, I draw a line between us.

From "Paradise on Fire" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023