draw a line under

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw a line under" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one wants to conclude or put an end to a particular situation or discussion. Example: "After much deliberation, we decided to draw a line under the past and focus on the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Draw a line under Iraq".

Independent

We draw a line under it.

Independent

Does it draw a line under the whole affair?

The Guardian - Business

This would draw a line under the controversy very easily.

The Guardian

We wish now to draw a line under this tragedy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It will be nice to draw a line under it".

The Guardian - Sport

Europe will not draw a line under its crisis.

The Guardian - Business

I want to draw a line under what happened.

The Guardian - Money

Now we want to draw a line under that.

The Guardian

We use these ridiculous expressions - "Draw a line under it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Will this draw a line under the affair?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draw a line under" to clearly signal the end of a discussion, project, or period, allowing for a fresh start or change in focus.

Common error

Avoid using "draw a line under" as a substitute for actually resolving an issue. It signifies moving on, but doesn't imply that problems have been solved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw a line under" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI analysis suggests it serves to signal the intention to conclude or finalize something, often implying a desire to move past a particular issue or event. The examples in the search results support this interpretation, showing its use in various contexts to indicate closure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Sport

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw a line under" is a widely used idiom that effectively communicates the desire to conclude a matter and move forward. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives such as "put an end to it" or "move on from it" offer similar meanings, though "draw a line under" often suggests a more deliberate act of closure. When using the phrase, remember that it indicates a shift in focus but does not necessarily imply that all underlying issues have been resolved. This nuanced understanding ensures its effective and appropriate use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put an end to it

Focuses on termination, emphasizing the act of stopping something completely.

move on from it

Emphasizes the act of progressing forward, leaving the past behind.

close the chapter

Uses a metaphorical image of finishing a stage in a story, suggesting completion.

put it behind you

Highlights the act of mentally and emotionally distancing oneself from something.

consider it finished

Focuses on the state of being complete, emphasizing the decision to not revisit the issue.

let bygones be bygones

An idiomatic expression encouraging forgiveness and forgetting past offenses.

wipe the slate clean

Suggests starting fresh by erasing past mistakes or issues.

bring it to a conclusion

Focuses on the action of formally ending something, often an event or process.

finish with it

A simpler and more direct way to express the idea of ending something.

bury the hatchet

Idiomatic expression meaning to make peace or end a conflict.

FAQs

How to use "draw a line under" in a sentence?

Use "draw a line under" to indicate the end of a specific event, topic, or period, suggesting a move towards something new. For example, "After the investigation, the company decided to "draw a line under" the incident and focus on rebuilding trust".

What can I say instead of "draw a line under"?

You can use alternatives like "put an end to it", "move on from it", or "close the chapter" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "draw a line under" or "draw a line through"?

"Draw a line under" signifies concluding or ending something. "Draw a line through" means to cancel or invalidate something. The correct phrase depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "draw a line under" and "move on"?

"Draw a line under" implies a deliberate decision to end something and proceed forward. "Move on" is a broader term indicating progress past an event, without necessarily implying a formal conclusion.