a delicate line

USAGE SUMMARY

'a delicate line' is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it to describe either a physical object (e.g. "The artist drew a delicate line with her brush") or a figurative concept (e.g. "We must tread a delicate line between respecting their privacy and maintaining public safety").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a delicate line to walk".

The New York Times

The exhibition walks a delicate line.

The New York Times

It's a delicate line he walks.

The New York Times

They walked a delicate line.

The New York Times - Arts

Her advanced comments trod a delicate line.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they also require her to walk a delicate line.

The Economist

But General Musharraf was also treading a delicate line domestically.

The New York Times

Through the second term, McCain walked a delicate line.

The New York Times - Magazine

But there was a delicate line to tread.

The Guardian - Music

Most anticancer drugs are poisonous, so doctors walk a delicate line when administering chemotherapy.

University of California, Berkeley

Wide and shallow, it is hand-painted with a delicate line drawing in blue and red.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a delicate line", ensure the context clearly indicates what balance or careful consideration is required. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the 'delicacy' if the situation doesn't warrant it. Overuse can dilute the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate line" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of verbs like 'walk', 'tread', or 'toe'. It signifies the need for caution and balance in a particular situation. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a delicate line" is a common idiom used to describe situations that require careful handling and a balanced approach. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. When employing "a delicate line", it's crucial to ensure the context clearly illustrates the need for balance and to avoid exaggerating the 'delicacy' if the situation doesn't warrant it. Alternatives like "a fine distinction" or "a challenging balance" can be used to vary expression while maintaining semantic accuracy. Understanding its function, purpose, and register enables more effective and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging balance

Emphasizes the difficulty in maintaining equilibrium or fairness.

a precarious balance

Highlights the instability and potential risks involved.

a fine distinction

Focuses on the subtle difference between two things.

a subtle distinction

Emphasizes the understated nature of the difference.

a narrow margin

Indicates limited room for error or deviation.

a sensitive area

Highlights the potential for causing offense or harm.

a difficult position

Focuses on the challenging nature of the situation or role.

a tricky situation

Highlights the potential for unforeseen problems or complications.

a fragile balance

Stresses the ease with which equilibrium can be disrupted.

a sensitive matter

Emphasizes the importance of handling the situation with care and discretion.

FAQs

How can I use "a delicate line" in a sentence?

You can use "a delicate line" to describe a situation requiring careful handling or a subtle distinction. For example, "The negotiator walked "a delicate line" between the two parties."

What phrases can I use instead of "a delicate line"?

Alternatives to "a delicate line" include "a fine line", "a difficult balance", or "a precarious balance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "walk a delicate line" or "tread a delicate line"?

Both "walk "a delicate line"" and "tread "a delicate line"" are acceptable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. Both convey the idea of careful maneuvering.

What does it mean to 'walk' or 'tread' "a delicate line"?

To 'walk' or 'tread' "a delicate line" means to proceed with caution and careful consideration in a situation where there is a risk of causing offense, making a mistake, or upsetting a balance. It often involves navigating conflicting interests or sensitive issues.