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

Now Musk, who has called himself a free-speech absolutist, while also vowing to take a hard line on child exploitation, faces growing calls for enforcement around the world and in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 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 draws a hard line at megamansions on the ridgetops.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 2025

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

From MarketWatch • Oct. 8, 2025

Principal Butler’s mouth tightened into a hard line.

From "Hopping Mad (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #4)" by Franklin W. Dixon

Related Words

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