walk the line
Americanidiom
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to find a balance between two contrasting or opposing elements.
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to follow specific rules and guidelines: exercise restraint and self-control.
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to follow a defined and specific path: often, to walk in procession at a graduation ceremony.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
How was this country legend able to walk the line so deftly?
From Salon ● Aug. 27, 2026
On the lead single off Monterrey-born musician’s album, “Armagedon,” he proves he can comfortably walk the line between alternative and R&B while experimenting with the more electronic qualities of pop music.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 31, 2024
“We’re trying to walk the line between informing and not confusing,” she said.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 1, 2024
Fed officials are trying to walk the line between tightening financial conditions in the economy enough to slow inflation without going so far it causes a recession.
From Reuters ● Nov. 16, 2022
They walk the line, slowly, eyeing each of us like a pair of flaming drill sergeants.
From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.