draw the line

1. To set a limit, as of acceptable behavior: “Phil sometimes drank a few beers, but generally he knew when to draw the line.”

Example Sentences

Schools that previously signed agreements are now drawing the line at this compact, which is an encouraging sign.

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She even thought about diluting her treasured Sensodyne toothpaste, but drew the line there.

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But they draw the line when they’re told that their safety, their daughters’ chances on the playing field, or their children’s academic futures must be limited to suit someone else’s politics.

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How do I know when to draw the line?

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“If we have a few very small studies that suggest effectiveness—studies that don’t uphold the rigor that we need—what if the next treatment is hyperbaric oxygen? Where do we draw the line?”

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