put on the line

USAGE SUMMARY

'put on the line' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that someone or something is at stake or in jeopardy, or could be lost as a consequence of taking a certain action. For example: "I'm willing to put my reputation on the line to get the job done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

After being in this situation myself, it is even harder to imagine what it would be like to have a job where one's life is willingly put on the line every day.

Huffington Post

How much of ourselves would we put on the line?

The Guardian - Film

After all, it is their lives and tax dollars that will be put on the line.

The New York Times

"I mean, how much do you want to put on the line for a television program?

The Guardian

The $54bn in tax-payer dollars they've put on the line would indicate otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Public perception, warranted or not, can severely curtail the money that companies will put on the line for endorsements.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Albatrosses follow longlining ships to feed on the bait put on the lines' hooks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The more the public understands what they're putting on the line every day the better.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Firms typically put several million dollars on the line.

The New York Times

"We put everything on the line".

The New York Times - Food

ELIZABETH KOLBERT: Put it on the line.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put on the line" when you want to emphasize that something valuable or important is at risk due to a decision or action. For example, "The company is putting its reputation on the line with this new product launch."

Common error

Avoid using "put on the line" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term might be more appropriate. In such contexts, consider alternatives like "risk", "jeopardize", or "endanger".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put on the line" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of risking something valuable or important. It often implies that a decision or action could have significant consequences, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put on the line" is a common idiomatic expression that signifies risking something valuable, with the potential for significant loss or negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic and business contexts. While versatile, it is essential to consider the formality of the writing and use more precise language in highly formal environments. Common alternatives include "risk", "jeopardize", and "at stake". Understanding the connotations and usage patterns of "put on the line" will allow writers to use it effectively to emphasize the stakes involved in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the line

Similar to the original phrase, but without the action of putting something there.

at stake

Directly indicates that something is at risk and could be lost.

jeopardize

Highlights the act of endangering something valuable.

imperil

A more formal way of saying to put something in danger.

risk

A more general term that suggests the possibility of loss or harm.

at risk

Focuses on the potential for something negative to occur.

endanger

Implies putting something in a situation where it could be harmed or destroyed.

in danger

Emphasizes the state of being at risk.

on the hook

Suggests responsibility and potential consequences.

hazard

Describes a potential source of danger.

FAQs

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

You can use "put on the line" to indicate that something is at risk. For example, "He's willing to "risk" his career to expose the truth" or "The company is "jeopardizing" its reputation with this decision".

What are some alternatives to "put on the line"?

Alternatives to "put on the line" include phrases such as "at stake", "in danger", or simply ""risk"", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "on the line" instead of "put on the line"?

While "on the line" can sometimes be used similarly, "put on the line" implies a deliberate action of placing something at risk. "On the line" often describes a state of being at risk, as in "His job is "on the line"".

What does it mean to "put your money where your mouth is" and how is that related to "put on the line"?

Putting your money where your mouth is means backing up your words with action, especially financial commitment. It's similar to "put on the line" in that both involve risking something of value to demonstrate commitment or belief in something.