draw a line in the sand
Set firm limit
To draw a line in the sand is to establish a firm limit or boundary, especially one that others are warned not to cross: The president drew a line in the sand on further concessions.
The image evokes a literal line scratched in sand as a dare or ultimatum.
Despite the dramatic connotation, the phrase often implies a boundary that may prove difficult to enforce or maintain.
- red lineInviolable boundary or threshold
- draw the lineEstablish a firm limit
- ultimatumNon-negotiable final terms
- final warningLast notice before action
- cross the lineExceed acceptable boundaries
put your foot down · point of no return · demarcation · conflict · limit · figure of speech · confrontation · boundary · hard limit · stance · commitment · declaration · last straw · moment of truth · definitiveness · determination · standoff · resolve
draw a line in the sandcompromise
Agreement through mutual sacrifice
bend over backwards · meet halfway · accommodate · give ground · cave in
draw a line in the sandback down
Withdraw from a stance
turn a blind eye · look the other way · bury one's head in the sand · chicken out · retreat
draw a line in the sandsit on the fence
Avoid committing either way
hedge · equivocate · bury one's head in the sand · waffle · vacillate
draws, drawn, drawing, drawings, drawer, drawers, lines, lined, lining