fine line

American  

[fahyn lahyn] / ˈfaɪn ˈlaɪn /

noun

1. a small, barely perceptible difference.

   There's often a fine line between helping and interfering.

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idioms

1. walk a fine line,

   1. to act carefully in order to avoid the wrong outcome or maintain a delicate balance.

      Moderators walk a fine line between censorship and protecting their site's users.

      I had to walk a fine line between maintaining the peace and doing my job.

   2. to act in a way that risks a disastrous outcome.

      You’re walking a fine line, buddy—if you don’t start watching your mouth, you’ll lose the respect of your kids.

Etymology

Origin of fine line

First recorded in 1845–50

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fine line

With AI, they are still walking that fine line.

From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026

There is also a fine line between sensible budgeting and sacrifice.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 4, 2026

He thinks the show has always managed to walk a fine line between comedy and drama.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

But there’s a fine line between being careful and being hidden.

From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026

Lucky Strike always said there was a fine line between clever and stupid and laughed his head off every time he said it.

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi

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