push the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "push the line" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to someone who is attempting to influence a certain situation or decision in a particular direction, usually to the benefit of themselves. For example, "The company's CEO tried to push the line in favor of expanding into a new market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

We didn't allow our sons to push the line".

The Guardian

Some celebrity activists say the e-mail and telephone campaigns push the line between merely spirited debate and harassment.

The New York Times - Style

He has the ability to ski clean where a lot of guys would try to push the line or something else".

The New York Times - Sports

As you built a persona as an artist, have you been able to push the line you were talking about — whether readers get it or not?

The New Yorker

"Even today, Google has shown a willingness to push the line when it comes to privacy," Mr. Smith said at one point.

The New York Times

"None of these things is resolved and all I'm trying to do is push the line a little bit further in terms of what you're allowed to say.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

There's a tenderness to her pairing with Ball; they delicately push the lines of the choreography so that emotion seems stretched to its breaking point.

The Guardian

Waiting times in line are recorded, and managers cruise around trying to push the lines along.

Forbes

"… I feel the medical crisis which South Africa is facing with the lack of doctors, professionalism is affected and slightly reshaped and warped as ultimately the fashionable trend is ' push the lines '.

BMC Medical Education

I pushed the line.

The New York Times - Sports

"Clay Pigeons" pushes the line back even further.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "push the line", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the intent to influence, extend a boundary, or promote a viewpoint. Avoid using it in situations where simple compliance or acceptance is required.

Common error

Avoid using "push the line" when the context requires adherence to existing rules or norms. The phrase implies an active attempt to alter or challenge the status quo, not simply maintain it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "push the line" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI shows it's used to describe the act of testing limits or advocating for something, often suggesting an attempt to influence or extend boundaries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "push the line" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It denotes an active attempt to influence a situation, challenge established norms, or extend existing boundaries. While its neutrality allows for widespread application across various domains like News & Media, Science, and Wiki, careful consideration of context is paramount to prevent misinterpretations. As such, alternatives like "extend the boundaries", "promote an agenda", or "stretch the limits" may offer nuanced precision depending on the specific communication goal. The phrase's assertive nature makes it unsuitable when adherence to existing rules is essential. Ludwig's examples highlight its dynamic usage and communicative power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extend the boundaries

This alternative directly refers to expanding limits, similar to "push the line", with less emphasis on influencing.

stretch the limits

This alternative suggests testing the maximum extent of something, akin to pushing a boundary but with a slightly different nuance.

promote an agenda

This alternative emphasizes the advocacy of a specific plan or set of ideas, rather than influencing a general situation.

advocate a position

This alternative involves openly supporting a particular stance, rather than subtly or aggressively influencing.

promote a viewpoint

This alternative focuses on advocating for a particular opinion, rather than influencing a broader situation or extending limits.

blur the boundaries

This alternative focuses on making distinctions less clear or defined, rather than advocating for a specific viewpoint or extending limits.

influence the decision

This alternative directly relates to affecting a choice or judgment, rather than pushing a general boundary.

bend the rules

This phrase implies a slight distortion of existing regulations, but "bend the rules" does not necessarily include influencing or asserting a viewpoint.

try to sway

This alternative emphasizes the act of persuading someone, differing from the broader act of pushing a line.

toe the line

This alternative means to conform to a standard or rule, contrasting with the assertive nature of pushing a boundary.

FAQs

How can I use "push the line" in a sentence?

You can use "push the line" to describe an attempt to extend boundaries, influence decisions, or promote a specific viewpoint. For example, "The company's marketing campaign tried to "push the line" on what's considered acceptable advertising".

What does it mean to "push the line"?

"Push the line" generally means to test or extend the limits of what is acceptable or permissible, often in an attempt to gain an advantage or promote a particular agenda.

What can I say instead of "push the line"?

You can use alternatives like "extend the boundaries", "promote an agenda", or "stretch the limits" depending on the context.

Is "push the line" a positive or negative action?

Whether "push the line" is positive or negative depends on the context. It can be seen as innovative and progressive when challenging outdated norms, but also as unethical or aggressive when violating established rules or ethical boundaries.