the line along which troops are positioned for battle
2. the battle lines are drawn
battle line in American English
noun
the line along which warring troops meet
Word origin
[1805–15]This word is first recorded in the period 1805–15. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: alpaca, one-sided, phase, platinum, polarization
Examples of 'battle line' in a sentence
battle line
This sets up the battle lines between two groups of Conservatives.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
But it does make another election battle line clear.
The Sun (2013)
They have left no gap in the actual battle-line.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
Spending cuts form the battle line in the election.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
They advanced over the hillcrest right into the battle line.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
He would sometimes make his centre battle line the weakest point, not the strongest, against all the rules.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Also, it must not be assumed that the 'truce' happened all along the battle line.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
With a red stripe traversing the stage, it becomes the battle line between male and female.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
And not just any old battle line either, but that deliciously divisive (and increasingly irrelevant) line of class distinction.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Its conclusions about the debate on budgetary policy set a clear battle line for the 2015 general election.