hot line

Idioms  

1. A telephone line that gives quick and direct access to a source of information or help. For example, Our state has an AIDS hot line in every county. This term was originally (and is still) used for a direct link between heads of government for use during a crisis, but was quickly extended to wider applications. [1950s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hot line

No hot line summons this super-cop from a hidden redoubt.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 29, 2025

Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said the leaders would announce plans to make the summit an annual event and to invest in technology for a three-way crisis hot line.

From Reuters ● Aug. 17, 2023

Under Sir David's guidance, the two super powers went on to establish the "hot line", a direct communication to ensure tensions could never again reach that level without the two leaders speaking.

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2022

“No hot line for people who are mobility impaired or don’t have reliable access to a car” to carry their recyclables to a central drop-off site.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 14, 2022

“Are you suggesting I commit an act of war because this man has a hot line to the spirit world?”

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer