Also, in line with . In conformity or agreement; within ordinary or proper limits. For example, The new policy was intended to keep prices in line with their competitors , or It's up to the supervisor to keep the nurses in line . Also see fall in line .
denoting a linked sequence of manufacturing processes
denoting an internal-combustion engine having its cylinders arranged in a line
Also, in line with . In conformity or agreement; within ordinary or proper limits. For example, The new policy was intended to keep prices in line with their competitors , or It's up to the supervisor to keep the nurses in line . Also see fall in line .
Also, on line . Waiting behind others in a row or queue. For example, The children stood in line for their lunches , or There were at least 50 persons on line for opera tickets .
in line for . Next in order for, as in He is next in line for the presidency . All of these terms employ line in the sense of “an orderly row or series of persons or objects,” a usage dating from the 1500s.
First recorded in 1925–30
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Results were relatively in-line with our revised forecast post-preannouncement, with better than expected guidance for the full year, but IBM now needs to execute to build investor confidence in the outlook,” strategists at J.P.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026
The other time traveler is the engine: a naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter in-line four.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026
When Clarke named his Euro 2024 squad, there were few surprises - in-line with most of his selections - but the omission of Craig Gordon was met with some shock.
From BBC ● May 18, 2026
Although the medical technology company’s in-line first-quarter revenue and $500 million buyback will reassure investors, its results aren’t seen as derisking guidance at this stage, RBC says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 6, 2026
It was the ‘Bullet N°2’ racing car, the first with an eight-cylinder, in-line engine, according to Eugene Hammond.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
They are in line for their eighth playoff appearance in nine years.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2026
In its April report, HRW called on the Saudi authorities to immediately halt executions of Ethiopian migrants and ensure all cases were handled in line with international law.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026
In a post on X,, external Abbott wrote: "Today, following a process conducted in line with party rules and approved by the independent review process I have been readmitted to the Labour party."
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
Consumer spending climbed by 0.3% last month, in line with expectations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026
Since I brought my lunch, I didn’t have to wait in line for food like some of the other kids.
From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
