Hard lines

Definitions

• expressing sympathy
  to express commiseration or sympathy for someone's misfortune or disappointment

• discourage someone
  Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

• dismissive
  to dismiss someone's complaints or grievances, indicating a lack of sympathy or understanding

Examples of Hard lines

• The negotiations between the two parties hit a deadlock, with no compromise in sight. The tone of the discussions became increasingly hostile, and both sides seemed to be drawing hard lines in the sand.

  The idiom "draw hard lines" refers to taking inflexible positions or being unwilling to compromise. In this context, it implies that both parties have become entrenched in their positions and are unwilling to budge, leading to a stalemate in the negotiations.

• The politics surrounding the issue were highly polarized, with proponents and opponents taking hard lines on both sides.

  The idiom "taking hard lines" in this instance emphasizes the rigidity and inflexibility of opposing viewpoints. The use of this idiom in politics can indicate that ideological divides are so entrenched that compromise or dialogue becomes nearly impossible.

• The new policy was announced with hard lines, leaving little room for interpretation or negotiation.

  Here, "hard lines" refers to the uncompromising and unambiguous nature of the new policy. This idiom can also imply that the policy is not flexible or subject to interpretation, leaving little room for negotiation or debate.

• The company's stance on the issue was firm and unyielding, drawing hard lines in the sand.

  The use of "hard lines" in this context implies that the company's position is inflexible and uncompromising, leaving little room for negotiation or compromise. The phrase "drawing hard lines in the sand" emphasizes the firmness of the company's position, suggesting that it will not be swayed or moved by external factors.

• The negotiations between the two companies were filled with hard lines and unyielding positions.

  This use of "hard lines" refers to the unwillingness of both companies to compromise or make concessions during the negotiations. The language used was strict and unbending, making it difficult for a resolution to be reached. The phrase "hard lines" is often used in situations where there is a high level of tension and opposition between parties.

• The terms of the contract were drawn up with hard lines, leaving little room for negotiation or interpretation.

  In this example, "hard lines" refers to the specific and inflexible language used in the contract. The terms are stated in a clear and concise manner, leaving little room for interpretation or debate. This can make it challenging for parties to negotiate amendments or clarifications to the agreement.

• The politician's stance on the issue was marked by hard lines and little flexibility.

  In this instance, "hard lines" is used to describe the politician's uncompromising position on a particular issue. They are unwilling to deviate from their stated position, making it difficult to find a resolution or compromise that satisfies all parties involved.

• The discussion between the two parties lasted for hours, as they both refused to yield on their hard lines.

  This use of "hard lines" refers to the unwillingness of both parties to compromise or make concessions during the discussion. They were both firm in their positions, making it difficult to find a resolution or compromise that satisfied both sides. The phrase "hard lines" is often used in situations where there is a high level of tension and opposition between parties.

Conclusion

The idiom "hard lines" can be used to express sympathy for someone's misfortune, caution against a particular course of action, or dismiss someone's complaints.

Origin of "Hard lines"

The origin of the idiom "hard lines" is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in British English in the late 19th or early 20th century. The term "hard lines" originally referred to difficult or unfavorable circumstances, and over time, it came to be used as an expression of sympathy or commiseration for someone facing challenges or misfortune. The idiom may have derived from the idea of facing a "hard," or challenging, path in life.

In its dismissive usage, "hard lines" may have developed from the idea of drawing a firm line or boundary, indicating a lack of willingness to sympathize with someone's complaints or grievances. Overall, the idiom has evolved to encompass various meanings related to expressing sympathy, discouraging someone, or dismissing complaints. Examples of its usage can be found in literature and everyday conversation, demonstrating its enduring presence in the English language.