hard line

¹ American  

noun

1. an uncompromising or unyielding stand, especially in politics.

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hard-line ² American  

[hahrd-lahyn] / ˈhɑrdˌlaɪn /

Or hardline

adjective

1. adhering rigidly to a dogma, theory, or plan; uncompromising or unyielding.

   hard-line union demands.

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hard line British  

noun

1. 1. an uncompromising course or policy

   2.  hardline.  ( as modifier )

      a hardline policy

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hard line Idioms  

1. A firm, uncompromising policy or position. For example, The President was taking a hard line on the budget. [c. 1960]

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Other Word Forms

• hardliner noun

Etymology

Origin of hard line¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Origin of hard-line²

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Example Sentences

Its delegation in the talks includes officials known for taking an especially hard line with the West.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Months later, the US made a U-turn on the hard line stance, issuing 600,000 Chinese student visas as Washington and Beijing engaged in trade talks.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Rodriguez worries that Kast’s law-and-order hard line could upset the fragile peace that miners have established with indigenous peoples around their mines.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

Manzo was a part of a new wave of leaders throughout the Americas who have called for a hard line against criminals.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2025

Miles’s eyebrows set in a hard line above his eyes.

From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia

Related Words

• hard-core
• militant
• staunch
• uncompromising
• unyielding