hard line

¹

noun

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

hard-line

²

Or hard·line

[hahrd-lahyn]

adjective

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

   hard-line union demands.

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

First recorded in 1965–70

Origin of hard line²

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

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

If you draw a hard line around the $100,000 mark, your dating pool will shrink considerably.

Read more on MarketWatch

Netanyahu drew a hard line in the talks, demanding Hamas capitulate and shifting his focus to resolving the conflict through military action rather than diplomacy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Australia's home affairs minister told Sky News at the time the government took "a hard line on people who seek to come to our country and spread division".

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“So that was a focus point for him, making sure he can hit a hard line drive on a pitch up in the zone, not necessarily trying to elevate it more than he needs to.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It is a significant shift, a softening of hard lines previously drawn by both sides.

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Related Words

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