hard lines

American  

noun

Chiefly British Slang.

1. bad luck; bad breaks (often used as an interjection).

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hard lines British  

1. Also: hard cheese.  informal bad luck

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Etymology

Origin of hard lines

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

There are hard lines of propriety between Fox and the rest of the world, and despite — or perhaps because of — that, Oates makes plain that seduction, narrative and instruction each entail the exercise of power.

From Los Angeles Times

Giving him a face and a broken heart and Goldstein’s soulfulness asks us to reexamine our own hard lines — and wonder whether they’re protective or binding.

From Salon

England are back on the front foot and running hard lines at the blue wall.

From BBC

He said some senators have taken hard lines stances against sports betting or allowing casinos.

From Seattle Times