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draw the line

to set a limit

In Idioms & Sayings

In more detail

(idiom) to decide or state the limit of what you will accept or allow; to refuse to do something beyond a certain point

Examples

• I don't mind helping with the project, but I draw the line at working on weekends.

How to use draw the line

This idiom is used when someone decides they will not accept or tolerate something beyond a certain point. It often appears in the phrase 'draw the line at [something]' and is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to express firmness about one's boundaries. It is more direct and assertive than softer expressions like 'prefer not to.'

Common phrases

• draw the line at
• draw a clear line
• draw the line somewhere
• have to draw the line
• where do you draw the line

Synonyms

set a boundary · establish a limit · put one's foot down · refuse to go further · mark the limit

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'draw a line' without the preposition 'at' when specifying what they refuse (e.g., 'I draw the line smoking indoors' instead of 'I draw the line at smoking indoors').

Nearby in Idioms & Sayings

bend over backwards, call it a day, cut to the chase, face the music, get out of hand, give the benefit of the doubt

Keep going

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