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

See Examples For:

fine line

“With neighborhoods like this that are so densely populated, it is really always a fine line with how the businesses interact with the people who live here,” Mattei said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026

There is a fine line between being fresh and being undercooked, though.

From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026

You are walking a fine line between expectation and, in a worst-case scenario, entitlement.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 16, 2026

The country, which has walked a fine line between Washington and Tehran, is losing its footing as an Arab state trusted by both sides.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026

The fine line between safety and danger was probably all about lucky connections.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein