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a red line

a limit that must not be crossed

In Headline Expressions

In more detail

1. (expression) a limit or rule that you will not allow someone to cross, even if they ask; a boundary that you refuse to go beyond

2. (expression) a boundary or condition that a country or organization will not allow to be crossed in a conflict or negotiation

Examples

• 1. For the company, protecting customer data is a red line they won't compromise on.
• 2. The government stated that military intervention would be a red line in the dispute.

How to use a red line

A red line denotes an absolute limit or boundary that one refuses to compromise on, typically in negotiations, conflicts, or personal relationships. It is used both literally in geopolitics and metaphorically in everyday contexts. The phrase is stronger and more emphatic than simply saying 'limit' or 'boundary', emphasizing the finality and non-negotiability of the position.

Common phrases

• draw a red line
• cross a red line
• red line issue
• clear red line
• red line for

Synonyms

line in the sand · boundary · limit · dealbreaker · non-negotiable

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'drawing a red line' (establishing a limit) with 'crossing a red line' (violating that limit); the preposition matters for distinguishing who sets versus breaks the boundary.

Nearby in Headline Expressions

walk back, pass the buck, sit on the fence, a smoking gun, a seat at the table, a wild card

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained