line
/laɪn/
This term functions as a fundamental spatial descriptor, shifting from a concrete geometric entity to a social organization of people. When referring to a queue, it implies a shared state of anticipation or patience, often fraught with tension in high-stress environments. In a theatrical or poetic sense, the word shifts from a physical mark to a temporal unit of speech. Here, it represents a specific beat of performance where precision is mandatory, transforming a linguistic sequence into a structural building block of a narrative.
A line, lines.
💬Casual Conversation
The line for the flu shots is insane. I'm about to lose it.
JUST HOLD YOUR GROUND DEAR
Meanings
Examples
Draw a straight line across the page.
Collocations & Compounds
straight line
a mark without curves
The road follows a straight line for miles.
finish line
the end point of a race
The runner collapsed just after crossing the finish line.
production line
an assembly process in a factory
He worked on the production line for ten years.
waiting line
a queue of people
The waiting line for the concert tickets wrapped around the block.
border line
a dividing boundary
The house sits right on the border line between the two states.
Phrasal Verbs
line up
form a queue
Please line up in alphabetical order.
Idioms & Sayings
draw the line
set a limit
I'm helpful, but I draw the line at lying.