fine line

American  

[fahyn lahyn] / ˈfaɪn ˈlaɪn /

noun

1. a small, barely perceptible difference.

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

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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.

Etymology

Origin of fine line

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

Now, that fine line has been given to the attacker.

From BBC

"Globally, it'll be interesting just to see how the defences deal with being overly aggressive and playing that fine line, because we know half a metre to an attacker is a big thing, and it's going to create more opportunities going forward."

From BBC

Stories about friendships between animals must walk a fine line between the sweet and the saccharine.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The mayor is trying to walk a fine line between not giving into narratives about young people of colour in this city, which is important," he said, but added, "The police officers themselves and the PBA are always going to be sensitive to the mayor not standing up for police."

From BBC

Moore has also tried to walk a fine line on the LAFD’s after-action report, which was meant to spell out mistakes and suggest measures to avoid repeating them.

From Los Angeles Times