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

Crisis strikes the kitchen when our forgotten, shelved-away ingredients teeter on the fine line between fresh and spoiled.

From Salon • May 30, 2026

So far, Washington's outgoing Mayor Muriel Bowser has walked a fine line between defending the city's interests and cooperating with Trump on certain projects.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

To get to this point, Massie has had to walk a fine line.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Carriers are walking a fine line between strong demand and rising costs, and they’re responding the only way they can in the short term: with fewer flights.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

If it was me talking back that way, he’d say, “That is a fine line you are walking there, young lady.”

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver