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• hard line
  hard line

  noun

  an uncompromising or unyielding stand, especially in politics.
• hard-line
  hard-line

  adjective

  adhering rigidly to a dogma, theory, or plan; uncompromising or unyielding.

hard line

¹ American  

noun

1. an uncompromising or unyielding stand, especially in politics.

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hard-line ² American  

[hahrd-lahyn] / ˈhɑrdˌlaɪn /

Or hardline

adjective

1. adhering rigidly to a dogma, theory, or plan; uncompromising or unyielding.

   hard-line union demands.

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hard line British  

noun

1. 1. an uncompromising course or policy

   2.  hardline.  ( as modifier )

      a hardline policy

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hard line Idioms  

1. A firm, uncompromising policy or position. For example, The President was taking a hard line on the budget. [c. 1960]

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Other Word Forms

• hardliner
  noun

Etymology

Origin of hard line¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Origin of hard-line²

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hard line hard-line

However, it’s hard to believe that a megacorporation like Disney, which now essentially owns and controls all major media marketed to children, would draw a hard line at the smart device.

From Salon ● Jun. 21, 2026

Noboa, a staunch ally of the US president, has taken a hard line on drug-related violence and has joined a US-led alliance aimed at fighting cartels.

From BBC ● May 30, 2026

Despite the public hard line from both sides, the two combatants are actively engaging with mediators and open to talks if each shows enough flexibility, the officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 14, 2026

It’s a hard line to take given that you have a modest net worth and two kids.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 7, 2026

"Bears and direwolves and . . . and other things . . ." Ser Waymar's mouth became a hard line.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

President Reagan, saying he is “a bit wiser” after two failed attempts to put a hard-line conservative on the Supreme Court, today picked federal appeals Judge Anthony M.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026

The last time Hall saw him was at the spartan Oakland cottage that served as headquarters for their hard-line group, Stop AI.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026

BBC Sport understands Premier League referees will not take the same hard-line approach.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

You might remember Ahmadinejad, Iran’s hard-line former president, for the anti-American harangues he delivered at the U.N. while not wearing a tie.

From Slate ● May 23, 2026

Despite the hard-line choice Kennedy had made, he found Diem’s death shocking.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge

Related Words

• hard-core
• militant
• staunch
• uncompromising
• unyielding