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• hard line
  hard line

  noun

  an uncompromising or unyielding stand, especially in politics.
• hard-line
  hard-line

  adjective

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

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

See Examples For:

hard line hard-line

Traditionally, sociologists interpreted his words as drawing a hard line between studying the truth and acting on it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026

However, it’s hard to believe that a megacorporation like Disney, which now essentially owns and controls all major media marketed to children, would draw a hard line at the smart device.

From Salon ● Jun. 21, 2026

It’s a hard line to take given that you have a modest net worth and two kids.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 7, 2026

"Her dad was chancellor of the exchequer - it's a hard line to walk, but she's also very relatable."

From BBC ● Feb. 14, 2026

I noticed his mouth shut in a hard line, and Nan clenched her fork.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

President Reagan, saying he is “a bit wiser” after two failed attempts to put a hard-line conservative on the Supreme Court, today picked federal appeals Judge Anthony M.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026

BBC Sport understands Premier League referees will not take the same hard-line approach.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

Iran continued negotiations with the U.S. for financial relief despite an overnight military skirmish and internal hard-line opposition.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 26, 2026

You might remember Ahmadinejad, Iran’s hard-line former president, for the anti-American harangues he delivered at the U.N. while not wearing a tie.

From Slate ● May 23, 2026

It messed her up for a few days, and she had to give herself the hard-line lectures all over again.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Related Words

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