hard-line

¹

Or hard·line

[hahrd-lahyn]

adjective

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

   hard-line union demands.

hard line

²

noun

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

hard line

noun

1. 1. an uncompromising course or policy

   2. hardline. ( as modifier )

      a hardline policy

Other Word Forms

• hardliner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard-line¹

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Origin of hard-line²

First recorded in 1965–70

Idioms and Phrases

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

Example Sentences

And in the end, that hard line paid off.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Baltic state has been one of Europe's most pro-Kyiv voices, pushing for a hard line against Russia since it ordered troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

Read more on Barron's

He was an unreconstructed hawk in the Senate, supporting the war in Iraq and taking a hard line on Iran.

Read more on Salon

Sarkozy responded by taking a hard line on immigration in an attempt to draw voters from Marine Le Pen’s antimigrant party.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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