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draw the line at

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draw the line at doing something

also draw the line on doing something

to decide you will not do something I love vampires, but I draw the line at attending some silly Dracula convention. Where to draw the line on treatment for people who are dying is a decision made by patients, their families and their doctors.

Usage notes: often used to say you will not do something because you think it is wrong: I'm a loyal employee, but I draw the line when I am asked to do something I think is wrong.

See also: draw, line

draw the line at something

if someone says that they draw the line at a particular way of behaving, they mean that they do not do it because they think it is wrong or too extreme I know I swear a lot but I do draw the line at certain words. I like a beer or two as you know but even I draw the line at sitting in a pub on my own and drinking.

See also: draw, line

draw the line at

Refuse to go any further than, as in I draw the line at giving them more money. This expression alludes to a line drawn at a stopping point of some kind. [Late 1700s]

See also: draw, line