close to the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to the line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is nearly at a limit or boundary, often in a figurative sense, such as behavior or actions that are risky or inappropriate. Example: "His comments during the meeting were close to the line of being offensive, and I had to intervene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

All this "research" is actually quite important, even if it gets close to the line.

The New York Times

Two year later, he admitted British agents went "close to the line" when questioning alleged terrorists.

Independent

"On the spectrum of legality to illegality, they're getting pretty close to the line," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He is close to the line," Hume Horan, a senior C.P.A. adviser on religious affairs, said.

The New Yorker

People try to play as close to the line as they can".

The New York Times

The pipeline runs close to the line where Nagorno-Karabakh's soldiers confront those of Azerbaijan.

The Economist

A lot of his serves were very close to the line on big points.

Independent

"I don't really have to play as close to the line anymore with him".

The New York Times - Sports

"A lot of his serves were very close to the line on big points," Murray said.

The Guardian - Sport

Every time he touched the ball, it was very close to the line.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is remarkable that quadruplexes are located close to the LINE-1 poly dA) tail that represents the labile region of duplex DNA.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to the line", ensure the context clearly indicates what boundary or limit is being approached. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "close to the line" is widely understood, consider more formal alternatives like "borderline" or "on the verge of" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to the line" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It indicates the degree to which an action or state approaches a certain boundary or limit. As Ludwig AI points out, it is frequently used to describe something nearing a limit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close to the line" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe situations, actions, or behaviors that are nearing a defined limit or boundary. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable for use and conveys a sense of proximity to a limit, often implying risk. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and informal writing. When using "close to the line", ensure clarity about the boundary being approached and consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing when a more sophisticated tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the limit

Focuses on proximity to a defined boundary or restriction.

on the verge of

Emphasizes being at the brink of something, implying imminence.

bordering on

Highlights being adjacent to a condition or state, often negative.

on the edge of

Suggests instability or precariousness, close to crossing a boundary.

skirting the edge

Implies intentionally avoiding direct transgression while remaining close.

pushing the envelope

Indicates testing limits or boundaries, especially in creativity or performance.

walking a tightrope

Highlights the need for careful balance to avoid failure or negative consequences.

treading carefully

Focuses on the caution required to navigate a sensitive or risky situation.

dancing with danger

Conveys a sense of excitement and risk associated with approaching a dangerous boundary.

in dangerous territory

Directly states being in a position or situation with potential negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "close to the line" in a sentence?

You can use "close to the line" to describe actions, behaviors, or situations that are near a limit or boundary. For example, "His joke was "borderline offensive", really "close to the line".".

What does it mean when something is described as "close to the line"?

It means that something is approaching a limit or boundary, such as ethical, legal, or acceptable behavior. The phrase often implies risk or potential negative consequences.

Which is correct, "close to the line" or "near the line"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "close to the line" is more idiomatic when describing something that is near a limit or boundary of acceptable behavior or standards. "Near the line" is usually preferred in literal/spatial contexts such as geography or sports.

What are some alternatives to saying "close to the line"?

Alternatives include "bordering on", "on the verge of", or "skirting the edge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.