a line in the sand



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a line in the sand

A figurative boundary that someone or some group refuses to cross or beyond which no further advance or compromise is accepted. (Used especially in the phrase "draw a line in the sand.") The allocation of this new tax to pay for building schools has become a line in the sand for the governor's administration. I don't mind my roommate being a bit messy, but leaving dirty dishes for me to clean up is where I draw a line in the sand!
See also: line, sand

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
TomosTAW-mawsWelsh
Walentyvah-LEN-tiPolish
Shantelleshahn-TEL, shan-TELEnglish (Rare)
Antonietta-Italian
AustynAWS-tinEnglish (Modern)
EttieET-eeEnglish