draw a line
Establish a limit
To draw a line is to establish a boundary or limit, especially regarding what one will or won't accept: I'll put up with a lot, but I draw a line at outright lying.
The phrase often appears as draw the line, emphasizing a definitive cutoff point.
It can also mean to make a distinction between categories: It's hard to draw a line between genius and madness.
Fix limits or boundaries
- delineateDescribe with precision
- borderOuter edge or limit
- perimeterShape's outer edge length
- edgeBoundary or sharpness
divide · partition · separate · bisect · segment · subdivide · mark off · section
Point of beginning
- capCovering for top
- ceilingRoom's upper surface
- maximumGreatest permitted quantity
- constraintLimiting condition or rule
restriction · cutoff · endpoint · stopping point · non-negotiable · off-limits · unacceptable · too far
Identify differences between things
- distinguishRecognize as distinct
- clarifyMake something understandable
- separateTo set apart
- contrastNotable difference between things
define · specify · categorize · classify · discriminate · discern · delineate · parse
Last notice before action
- last chanceUltimate remaining opportunity
- deadlineTime limit for completion
- consequencesResults of actions taken
- nonnegotiableCannot be altered
take-it-or-leave-it · showdown · breaking point · point of no return · make-or-break · do-or-die · final offer · demand
Standard for comparison
- benchmarkStandard for comparison
- criterionStandard for judgment
- normAccepted behavioral standard
- parameterBoundary-setting factor
yardstick · minimum · expectation · requirement · specification · bar · measure · threshold
demarcate
Fix limits or boundaries
edge · divide · partition · separate · bisect · segment · subdivide · mark off · section · zone
threshold
Point of beginning
constraint · restriction · cutoff · endpoint · stopping point · non-negotiable · off-limits · unacceptable · too far · enough
differentiate
Identify differences between things
- distinguishRecognize as distinct
- clarifyMake something understandable
- separateTo set apart
contrast · define · specify · categorize · classify · discriminate · discern · delineate · parse · nuance
final warning
Last notice before action
- last chanceUltimate remaining opportunity
- deadlineTime limit for completion
- consequencesResults of actions taken
nonnegotiable · take-it-or-leave-it · showdown · breaking point · point of no return · make-or-break · do-or-die · final offer · demand · stipulation
baseline
Standard for comparison
parameter · yardstick · minimum · expectation · requirement · specification · bar · measure · threshold · acceptable
draw a lineanything goes
No restrictions apply
look the other way · turn a blind eye · open the floodgates · no limits · blur the lines
draw a lineconflate
Merge distinct elements
lump together · muddy the waters · blur the lines · merge · equivocate
draw, line, drawing, lines, lined, outline, drawn, drew, linen