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

Example Sentences

EU trade ministers meeting in Brussels Friday trod a fine line, stressing that the EU-China relationship was important, but more balance was needed.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

“You walk a fine line not pushing the next generation to come on board, while trying to develop a passion for the family business,” Lisa says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

Global air carriers are walking a fine line between ongoing strong demand for air travel and rising costs — fuel is second only to labor costs in the airline industry.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

But it has walked a fine line over six weeks of war in the region, describing open waters in the strait as of global interest, while avoiding any condemnation of Iran’s assertion of control.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 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