everything is on the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "everything is on the line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a situation is critical or that there is a lot at stake, often in a context of risk or consequence. Example: "In the final moments of the game, everything is on the line, and the team must give their all to win."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

In an era where so much of life is fragmented and nuanced and exists in the gray zone, it is nice and comforting to have one night where everything is on the line and will be decided definitively.

Huffington Post

Everything is on the line.

The New York Times

"Everything is on the line this month," Bernazzani said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everything is on the line in North Korea," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

"We're going to learn to play our best football when everything is on the line".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's that time of the year where everything is on the line; you've got to be out there".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"It's one of those games where you let your emotions get into it because everything's on the line; you win or you're not going to the Olympics," said Solo, who has not surrendered a goal in this tournament while her teammates have scored 34.

The New York Times - Sports

Everything's on the line right now.

The New York Times - Sports

Everything was on the line, so I just dug down deep and brought it out".

The New York Times - Sports

Because in the end, when everything's on the line, as the prospect of a semi-final draws ever closer, it's the goalie we look to.

The Guardian - Sport

"Blanda had a God-given killer instinct to make it happen when everything was on the line," Davis said to The Sporting News in 1989.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "everything is on the line" to add dramatic emphasis to situations where the outcome carries significant consequences, such as in sports, business negotiations, or personal challenges. This phrase is effective in capturing the high-pressure nature of such moments.

Common error

Avoid using "everything is on the line" in contexts where the stakes are not genuinely high. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for truly critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everything is on the line" functions as an idiomatic expression used to emphasize a situation's high stakes. It highlights the criticality of the moment, suggesting that the outcome carries significant consequences. As shown by Ludwig, this idiom is often employed in contexts where the potential for loss or failure is substantial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

General Discussions

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "everything is on the line" is a common idiomatic expression used to emphasize the high stakes and critical nature of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, sports, and general discussions. While it effectively conveys urgency, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives such as "everything is at stake" or "the stakes are high" may be more suitable for formal writing. Understanding its appropriate use and context is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything is at stake

Emphasizes the potential loss or negative consequences if things go wrong.

the stakes are high

Focuses on the level of risk and potential reward involved.

everything hangs in the balance

Suggests a state of uncertainty where the outcome is crucial.

the future is on the line

Specifically highlights the potential impact on future outcomes.

all bets are off

Indicates that previous expectations or assumptions no longer apply.

it's all or nothing

Emphasizes that there is no middle ground or compromise.

this is the moment of truth

Highlights a critical juncture where true character or ability will be revealed.

the game is on

Signals the start of a decisive period where effort and skill are paramount.

we're playing for keeps

Implies that the consequences are serious and long-lasting.

this is crunch time

Indicates a period of intense pressure where critical decisions must be made.

FAQs

How can I use "everything is on the line" in a sentence?

You can use "everything is on the line" to emphasize a critical situation where the outcome has significant consequences. For example, "In this final game, "everything is on the line", and the team must perform at their best".

What does "everything is on the line" mean?

"Everything is on the line" means that a lot is at stake, and the outcome is crucial. It implies that failure would have serious consequences.

What can I say instead of "everything is on the line"?

You can use alternatives like "everything is at stake", "the stakes are high", or "everything hangs in the balance" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "everything is on the line" in formal writing?

While "everything is on the line" is widely understood, it can be considered somewhat informal. For formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "everything is at stake" or "the stakes are high", which maintain a more serious tone.