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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

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

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Publicly, officials have struck a conciliatory tone when it comes to protesters' economic demands, while vowing to take a hard line against any chaos and destabilisation.

From Barron's • Jan. 5, 2026

He set his mouth in a hard line.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Related Words

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