pushing the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pushing the line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of testing boundaries or limits, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In her latest project, she is pushing the line of what is considered acceptable in contemporary art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Nov. 2 through 6. "Pushing the Line," group show.

The New York Times

But are their incentives also pushing the line?

The New York Times - Tech

Until then, you remember, his government had been pushing the line that the mainland was moving Britain's way.

The Economist

The field of neonatal intensive care has exploded, pushing the line of fetal viability ever closer to conception.

The New York Times

Yes, Republicans are pushing the line that raising taxes at the top would hurt small businesses, but their hearts don't really seem in it.

The New York Times

When it comes to pushing the line between law and politics, Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas each had a banner month in January.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Mark Driscoll has been pushing the lines, making people uncomfortable with the way he sometimes carelessly wields his faith, for years now.

HuffPost

I pushed the line.

The New York Times - Sports

"Clay Pigeons" pushes the line back even further.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

N.C.A.A. officials have long been aware that video games have pushed the line of acceptable use.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, specify what line is being pushed: "pushing the line of acceptable behavior", "pushing the line of technological feasibility".

Common error

Avoid using "pushing the line" when the intention is to describe simple progress or improvement. This phrase implies a challenge to existing norms or limits, not just general advancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushing the line" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the act of testing limits, boundaries, or standards. It implies a proactive effort to explore the extent of what is acceptable or possible, as evidenced by Ludwig examples related to ethics and technology.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pushing the line" is a common phrase used to describe testing or challenging boundaries, often in ethical, technological, or creative contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, media, and scientific sources. While versatile, it is essential to consider the specific context to ensure appropriate usage, avoiding instances where the intention is simply to describe progress. Alternatives such as "testing the boundaries" or "challenging the norm" may be more suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pushing the envelope

This alternative is more specific and emphasizes innovation by testing limits.

testing the boundaries

Focuses on the act of checking how far something can go without negative consequences.

approaching the limit

Emphasizes nearing a maximum or critical threshold.

challenging the norm

Highlights questioning or defying established customs.

exceeding expectations

Implies surpassing what was originally anticipated or required.

stretching the rules

Suggests bending or extending regulations without necessarily breaking them.

blurring the lines

Indicates making distinctions less clear or distinct.

toeing the line

Implies adhering to rules but with a sense of restraint or reluctance.

walking the edge

Conveys a sense of risk or precariousness in one's actions.

going too far

Indicates exceeding acceptable limits to an undesirable degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "pushing the line" to describe someone testing the limits of what is acceptable or possible. For example, "The company is "pushing the line" with its aggressive marketing tactics."

What is a good alternative to "pushing the line"?

Alternatives include "testing the boundaries", "challenging the norm", or "exceeding expectations", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "pushing the line" in formal writing?

Yes, "pushing the line" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing innovation, ethics, or complex strategic challenges. However, ensure the tone is appropriate for the audience and context.

What does it mean to say someone is "pushing the line" in sports?

In sports, "pushing the line" often refers to a player or team approaching the limits of fair play or sportsmanship, sometimes bordering on illegal or unethical behavior. It suggests they are trying to gain an advantage by stretching the rules as far as they can.