释义 |
line noun (LONG MARK)A2 [ C ] a long, thin mark on the surface of something: a straight line Sign your name on the dotted line. She was very old and her face was covered with lines. My legs felt all wobbly when I stood up and I couldn't walk in a straight line (= walk without moving to the side while moving forward). Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Patterns and shapes - amorphous
- arabesque
- argyle
- bar
- cake
- contour
- geometry
- marbled
- misshapen
- motif
- mottled
- paisley
- silhouette
- spotted
- streak
- stripe
- striped
- stripy
- styloid
- take shape idiom
See more results » line noun (ROW)C2 [ C ] a group of people or things arranged in a row: a line of trees The prisoners formed a line against the wall. [ C ] US UK queue a group of people standing one behind the other who are waiting for something: Just get in line and wait your turn like everyone else. I had to wait/stand in line for three hours to get tickets. a long line of a series of people or things that follow each other in time: She is the latest in a long line of controversial leaders. He comes from a long line of doctors (= a lot of his relatives were doctors before him). Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Things collected in lines or rings - column
- crocodile
- file
- queue
- rank
- ring
- rope
- row 1
- single file
- string
- thread
- tier
- train
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics: Order and sequence - general words line noun (DIVISION)C2 [ C ] a long, thin and sometimes imaginary mark that forms the edge, border, or limit of something: That ball was definitely in! It was nowhere near the line! The police couldn't arrest him because he'd fled across the state line. For many television viewers the dividing line between fact and fiction is becoming increasingly blurred. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Edges & extremities of objects - apex
- apices
- bevel
- border
- bottom
- brim
- brow
- crest
- edge
- foot
- framed
- fringe
- front
- palm-fringed
- peripheral
- periphery
- rim
- surmount
- tip
- vertex
See more results » line noun (PHONE)B2 [ C ] a connection to a phone system: I'm afraid your line's been disconnected because your last bill hasn't been paid. If you want to air your opinions live on the radio, the lines will be open (= you can phone) from eight o'clock. I've got Chris Foster on the line for you. Do you want to take it now or call her back later? formal Please hold the line (= wait). I'll see if she's available. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Communications - telephone equipment - Ansaphone
- answerphone
- brick
- cardphone
- cell
- cell phone
- cradle
- ext
- extension
- GPRS
- hands-free
- handset
- kiosk
- landline
- linesman
- phone card
- speed dial
- telephone
- telephone exchange
- videophone
See more results » line noun (RAILWAY)B1 [ C ] (the route followed by) a railway track: The train was delayed, apparently due to leaves on the line. The Northern Line is the worst on the London Underground. Mainline services can be very quick, but travelling on the branch lines is much slower. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Railways & railway lines - Amtrak
- artery
- buffer
- cable railway
- funicular
- grade crossing
- junction
- light railway
- metro
- monorail
- narrow-gauge
- railroad
- railroad tie
- rapid-transit
- RR
- signal
- subway
- switch
- switchback
- track
See more results » line noun (APPROACH TO SUBJECT)C2 [ C ] a way of dealing with or thinking about something or someone: The government's official line has always been to refuse to negotiate with terrorists. The courts should take a tougher line with (= punish more severely) sex offenders. Several Labour MPs disagree with their party's line on taxation. What sort of line (= method of arguing) do you think we should take in the pay negotiations? The police are confident that this new line of inquiry will lead them to the murderer. It seems inevitable that the country will be divided along ethnic lines. line of reasoning, thinking, etc.C2 a way of thinking about a particular subject: We cannot agree with their line of reasoning. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Ways of achieving things - a means to an end idiom
- actively
- another
- approach
- avenue
- basis
- fair
- jump
- mean
- medium
- mixed media
- modality
- modus operandi
- one way or another idiom
- one-handed
- resort
- vein
- what's the drill for sth? idiom
- whereby
- workings
See more results » You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics: Opinions, beliefs and points of view line noun (MILITARY)C2 [ C ] a row of positions used to defend against enemy attack, especially the ones closest to enemy positions: They were taken prisoner while on a reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines. figurative In a game of football, the goalkeeper is the last line of defence. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Places involved in military activity - base
- Bastille
- battlefield
- battleground
- beachhead
- billet
- boot camp
- camp
- fort
- garrison
- GHQ
- guard post
- guardhouse
- parade ground
- PX
- redoubt
- sentry box
- staging area
- theatre
- unmanned
See more results » line noun (SHAPE) [ C ] the shape of something that has been designed or created: They have a reputation for designing cars with elegant aerodynamic lines. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Patterns and shapes - amorphous
- arabesque
- argyle
- bar
- cake
- contour
- geometry
- marbled
- misshapen
- motif
- mottled
- paisley
- silhouette
- spotted
- streak
- stripe
- striped
- stripy
- styloid
- take shape idiom
See more results » line noun (SUPPORT) [ C ] a long, strong, thin piece of material, such as string, rope, or wire, used to support something: I'd hung the washing out on the clothes line. Can you feel the fish tugging on the line? Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Cords, ropes, cables & string - bell pull
- bungee
- cable
- catgut
- chain
- cord
- flex
- halter
- harness
- iron
- landline
- lasso
- leash
- rein
- shackles
- string
- stringy
- tether
- tow rope
- twine
See more results » line noun (COMPANY) [ C ] a company that transports people or goods: a shipping line Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Enterprises - acquirer
- acquiror
- agency
- airline
- answering service
- auction house
- collective
- consultancy
- enterprise
- est
- establishment
- firm
- fragmented
- franchise
- outfit
- plc
- private company
- private practice
- Pty
- public company
See more results » line noun (REMARK) [ C ] a remark that is intended to entertain, persuade, or deceive: a speech full of memorable lines He keeps giving me that line about not being able to do any work because his computer is down. Who was it who came up with that famous line about "lies, damned lies and statistics?" Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Remarks & remarking - air
- backbite
- backbiting
- bon mot
- comment
- compliment
- externalize
- innuendo
- last word
- mot juste
- observation
- one
- parenthesis
- parting shot
- platitude
- remark
- remark on sth
- riposte
- shaft
- the one about idiom
See more results » line noun (WORDS)B1 [ C ] a row of words that form part of a text: We could get more lines on the page if we reduced the type size. The computer screen displays 80 characters per line. [ C usually plural ] the words that an actor speaks when performing in a film, play, etc.: I only had two lines in the whole play. She hasn't learned her lines yet, and we've got our first rehearsal tomorrow. I'm terrified of forgetting my lines. lines [ plural ] UK a punishment for school students in which a sentence has to be written repeatedly: She got 200 lines for swearing at her teacher. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Pieces of writing - acrostic
- caption
- creative writing
- doodle
- encomium
- excerpt
- fair
- fair copy
- fair sth out
- jottings
- manuscript
- microblog
- ms
- paragraph
- record
- squiggle
- subheading
- transcription
- typescript
- writing
See more results » You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics: Cinema & theatre: casting, roles & scripts Punishing & punishments line noun (MUSIC) [ C ] a short series of musical notes Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Technical music terms - accidental
- adagio
- andante
- antiphonal
- arpeggio
- arr
- arrange
- cadence
- harmonic
- harmony
- key signature
- legato
- mike check
- motif
- timbre
- tremolo
- tuning
- twelve-tone
- twelve-tone scale
- unison
See more results » line noun (JOB) [ C usually singular ] the type of job someone does: "What line of work are you in?" "I'm a teacher." You meet some very interesting people in my line of business. line noun (GOODS)C1 [ C ] a range of similar things that are for sale: There are discounts on many items from our older lines. I was shown all their new lines. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Products & producers - begetter
- boondoggle
- brand
- by-product
- cash crop
- commodity
- export
- generic
- generically
- goods-producing
- haberdashery
- ironmonger
- production
- purchase
- seller
- shopping
- spin-off
- stock
- supply side
- unit
See more results » Idiom(s)all along the line along the lines of sth along the same lines be in line for sth be in line to do sth be in line to the throne in line with sth off his line be on the line be out of line with sth get a line on sb have a nice, good, etc. line in sth in the line of duty line of sight put/lay sth on the line somewhere along the line step/be out of line line verb [ T ] (FORM ROW)C2 to form a row along the side of something: Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the presidential procession pass by. Police lined the route of the demonstration. country lanes lined with trees Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Sitting and standing - akimbo
- astride
- attention
- bestride
- cross-legged
- crouch
- pew
- plump (sb/sth) down
- rampant
- seated
- seating
- sit sth out
- stand
- stand aside
- stand round
- strike
- surface
- take a pew! idiom
- take the weight off your feet/legs idiom
- weight
See more results » You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics: Geometry: parts of geometrical shapes line verb [ T ] (COVER) to cover the inside surface of something: I lined the drawers with old wallpaper. How much would it cost to have this jacket lined? Full-length mirrors lined each wall of the bathroom. Thesaurus: synonyms and related words Covering and adding layers - asphalt
- bestrew
- binder
- blanket
- blindfold
- carpet
- coat
- fall over sth/sb
- film
- film over
- fur
- gild
- gum sth up
- inlay
- pad
- render
- seal
- swathe
- whitewash
- wreathe
See more results » Idiom(s)line your pocket(s) Phrasal verb(s)line (sb) up line sth up line noun (LONG MARK) [ C ] a long, thin mark on the surface of something: Draw a straight line. You shouldn’t drive across the double yellow lines. As I grow older, lines and wrinkles show on my face. geometry [ C ] A line is a row of points that continues in both directions and is usually represented by a long thin mark. line noun (EDGE) [ C ] a real or imaginary mark that forms the edge, border, or limit of something: The police caught him before he crossed the state line. [ C ] A line is also a mark on a sports field which shows where things can or cannot happen, or which measures the field: the foul line the 50-yard line the free-throw line line noun (STRING) [ C ] a length of string, rope, or wire that is used to support something: fishing line Would you help me hang the wash out on the line? line noun (ROW) [ C ] a row of people or things: There was a long line at the movie theater. Just get in/on line and wait your turn. [ C ] In football, the lines are the two front rows of opposing players who face one another at the start of a play: the offensive/defensive line line noun (SERIES) [ C usually sing ] a series of people, esp. members of the same family, following one another in time: He comes from a long line of doctors. line noun (MILITARY) [ C ] a row of military positions, particularly the ones closest to enemy positions: the front line behind enemy lines line noun (WIRE/CONNECTION) [ C ] an electrical or telephone wire or connection: Power lines were down after the storm. That line is busy – may I take a message? line noun (PIPE) [ C ] a system of pipes: a water/gas line line noun (RAILROAD) [ C ] a train route, or a railroad track: rail/commuter lines line noun (COMPANY) [ C ] a company that has an organized system of transport by ship, truck, aircraft, or bus: a shipping line line noun (WORDS) [ C ] a row of words that form part of a text: Limericks are humorous five-line poems. [ C ] A line is also a short written message: Drop me a line when you get a chance. [ C ] A line is also a remark that is intended to amuse, persuade, or deceive: He gave me some line about how his father is the mayor. [ C ] Lines are also the words that actors speak when performing. line noun (DIRECTION) [ C usually sing ] a direction or path: Fortunately, the pedestrian wasn’t in the line of fire. line noun (WAY OF DEALING) [ C ] a way of dealing with or thinking about something or someone: I couldn’t follow his line of reasoning. line noun (JOB) [ C ] a job, interest, or activity: "What line of work are you in?" "I’m a teacher." line noun (GOODS) [ C ] a type of goods: Our new swimwear line will be in stores shortly. Idiom(s)a fine line in line for something in line with something in the line of duty on the line line verb [ T ] (COVER) to cover the inside surface of an object with another material: I lined the kitchen cabinets with shelf paper. Idiom(s)line your pocket(s) Phrasal verb(s)line someone/something up line up (someone/something) COMMERCE a range of similar products: There are discounts on many items from our older lines. As with other books in this publisher's line, this one is written for a popular audience. I showed them all our new product lines. line of sth The company's spring line of handbags is wonderful. lines of bonds/stocks/shares The state is selling three lines of bonds. PRODUCTION a system of making goods in which a worker repeatedly does the same tasks on every item and then passes it to the next worker: The first year they had me on the line putting wheels on Cadillacs. assembly/processing/production line Eight additional production lines were installed in the town's only factory. a line foreman/supervisor COMMUNICATIONS a connection to a telephone or data system: I'm afraid your phone line has been disconnected. The company's first fibre-optic lines were installed in 1998. Keep the lines open in case the boss calls with a final decision. on the line Mike Saunders is on the line for you. a connection to a public service for water, liquid waste, or electricity: Power transmission lines were out for three weeks after the hurricane. Interference from the electric lines caused the equipment to malfunction. Construction workers installed a water line where Walnut Avenue and First Street intersect. a series of people that follow each other in time: He comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. a series of people in order of importance: the first/second, etc. in line He is second in line to take over the company. someone's job, industry, or area of activity: "What line of work are you in?" "I'm a professor." You meet some very interesting people in my line of business. BANKING a way of getting money: line of credit/revenue Your bank can raise your line of credit if you have a good payment history. a group of people or things arranged in a row: march/stand/wait in line If you don't like standing in line, do your part to make sure you're an efficient customer. TRANSPORT a company that transports people or goods: a railway/shipping line The shipping line carried fewer containers last year bring sth into line (with sth) to make something the same as or similar to something else: He'd like to bring the pay of an Army private into line with that of a police constable. come/get/fall into line to start to officially agree with a plan or idea or to do something in the same way as other people, organizations, companies, etc.: We are considering legal action if they do not come into line soon. in the firing line also in the line of fire likely to receive criticism or to lose a job: Next in the environment firing line are the CEOs of the world's biggest chemical companies. Jack put himself in the line of fire by talking to the press about our problems. get sb in line to make someone agree to your way of doing something: If we have to change supervisors to get everybody in line, we will. You better get your people in line, or you'll lose the battle for market share. hold the line COMMUNICATIONS to keep a someone waiting on the telephone: Will you hold the line while I check my calendar? to continue to have an opinion, especially after a lot of argument: She must hold the line against this kind of criticism. to keep a price or amount of money at the same level: The aim of the current administration is to hold the line on taxes. The chancellor has agreed to hold the line on tuition costs for in-state students next year. in line for sth likely to get something: American banks are first in line for the small, low-risk deals. Mortgage brokers could be next in line for a ban on commissions. in line to do sth to have a very good chance of doing something: The water company is in line to make a 7% efficiency cost-saving on the project. in line with sth similar to something or at the same level as something: The company's results are in line withstock market expectations. We are seeking a pay rise that's in line with inflation. on the line if something is on the line, it could easily be lost or destroyed: When it's your personal credibility on the line, it's best to stop making crude jokes in meetings. He put his career on the line when he went public about his employer's lies. toe the line US also toe the mark to behave according to an official rule, especially when you do not agree with it: The new guy is better salesman and will toe the marketing department's line much more closely. See alsoairline assembly line bottom line credit line fixed-line full line helpline landline offline online production line wireline line sb's pockets to make someone richer, especially in illegal or dishonest ways: They're the sort of Washington politicians who would line the pockets of their Wall Street friends. These are simply clutching, greedy people who are just manipulating society at large to line their pockets. Phrasal verb(s)line up line sb/sth up |