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

Drawing hard lines can be tough, however, when planemakers offer high order volumes.

From Reuters

Then, just as the judge was swearing in the jury, hard lines started softening.

From New York Times

Her own family story is difficult, as is often the case when war cuts hard lines through emotional bonds.

From New York Times

From sofas to side tables and even lighting, round edges dominate over hard lines.

From Seattle Times

The hard lines of French history may be shifting.

From New York Times