wary line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wary line" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be used in contexts where caution or carefulness is being described, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "He walked a wary line between honesty and tact, trying not to offend anyone."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Local leaders, some self-appointed, others imposed by the Americans or British forces, tread a wary line between claiming American support and shying away from association with the invaders.Baghdad itself remains chaotic, although most neighbourhoods are quite safe in daylight hours.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While Democrats show no sign of being cowed by Trump, leaders are trying to walk a deliberate line — wary of being seen as haphazardly tilting at presidential windmills or being too timid in uncovering potential misdeeds.

The Washington Post

Comstock is one of the Democrats' top targets in midterms next fall, and her opposition was seen as a sign that Republicans wouldn't be able to hold enough wary moderates in line to approve the bill.

Vice

Both teams will be wary of wayward line-kicking because the full-backs Jason Robinson and Nicolas Brusque are both devastating counter-attackers.

The Guardian - Sport

And the music had a full range of impact, from Mr. Redman's wary opening solo lines to ballads, to funk, to moments of dire, volcanic quartet playing that bore the mark of mid-period Coltrane (the era of "A Love Supreme").

The New York Times

The argument that wary progressives should fall in line behind Hillary Clinton boils down to two points.

Los Angeles Times

Well aware that she is being observed, she treads a line between wary deliberateness and muted defiance.

The New York Times

But critics remain wary of the hazy line between guerrilla and "shill" marketing, an industry term for pitches whose source is not disclosed.

The New York Times

The bottom line: be wary of a $5 fast food deal.

Huffington Post

Washington has long said it views the use of chemical weapons in Syria as a "red line", but wary of the false intelligence that was used to justify the 2003 war in Iraq, it has said it wants proof before taking action.

Huffington Post

The bad blood between Saudi Arabia and Libya over an alleged plot to assassinate the then Crown Prince Abdullah makes criticism of Colonel Qaddafi easier.In the past Arab newspapers not owned by governments have been wary of crossing "red lines".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wary line", provide sufficient context to clarify what boundary or course of action is being approached with caution. For example, specify whether it's a "wary line" in negotiations or a "wary line" in ethical considerations.

Common error

Do not use "wary line" without clarifying the context, as the phrase on its own may not be immediately clear to readers. Ensure the surrounding sentences provide enough information to understand what 'line' is being approached warily.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wary line" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "wary" modifies "line". It describes the nature of the line, indicating that it's approached with caution or suspicion. As Ludwig AI explains, additional context is needed to understand the specific implications.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wary line" signifies a cautious approach to a boundary or course of action, suggesting potential risks. While grammatically sound, it is not widely used; thus, providing context is key for clarity. Ludwig AI indicates that further contextual details improve comprehension. Consider alternatives like "cautious approach" or "delicate balance" for increased clarity. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to convey caution and awareness of potential negative outcomes when navigating sensitive situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautious approach

Emphasizes the method of proceeding with care, shifting focus from a boundary to a manner.

careful distinction

Highlights the act of making a precise separation, changing the noun to a more concrete action.

guarded stance

Focuses on a defensive or protective posture, implying a potential threat or challenge.

circumspect strategy

Highlights the prudence and foresight involved in planning a course of action.

prudent course

Implies wisdom and careful consideration in choosing a path or action.

delicate balance

Suggests a need for equilibrium and careful management of opposing forces.

sensitive area

Indicates a region or subject requiring tact and careful handling to avoid problems.

precarious position

Emphasizes the instability and risk associated with a situation.

reserved attitude

Focuses on a restrained and cautious demeanor, implying a lack of openness.

watchful eye

Stresses vigilance and attentiveness to potential dangers or opportunities.

FAQs

What does "wary line" mean?

The phrase "wary line" refers to a situation where someone is being cautious or careful about a boundary, course of action, or distinction, often due to potential risks or negative consequences. It implies walking a tightrope and being aware of potential dangers.

How can I use "wary line" in a sentence?

You might say, "The negotiator walked a "wary line" between demanding a high price and risking the deal falling through." Or, "The company walked a "wary line" when marketing their product as environmentally friendly."

What are some alternatives to "wary line"?

Consider using phrases like "cautious approach", "careful distinction", or "delicate balance" depending on the specific context.

Is "wary line" a common phrase?

No, "wary line" is not a very common phrase. Other alternatives, such as "cautious approach" or "delicate balance", might be more readily understood and frequently used.