line

noun

OPAL WOPAL S

/laɪn/

Idioms

long thin mark

enlarge image

[countable] a long, thin mark on a surface线；线条

a straight/solid/dotted/dashed line直线；实线；虚线；短划线
a wavy/diagonal line波浪线/对角线
a vertical/horizontal line垂直线；水平线
parallel lines平行线
Draw a thick black line across the page.在此页上横画一条粗黑线。

see also bar line, dotted line, in-line, load line

Extra Examples

He wrote the title and drew a line under it.他写下了标题并在标题下画了一条线。
She could draw a perfectly straight line.她可以画出一条完美的直线。
He created his first strictly geometrical work, using only straight lines and circles.他仅使用直线和圆形创作了他的第一个严格的几何作品。
a faint white line模糊的白线
Cut along the dotted line.沿虚线裁开。
The outlines of the object beneath its cover are shown in dotted lines.其覆盖物下方物体的轮廓以虚线显示。
The old Roman road is indicated on the map by a dotted line.古罗马道路在地图上用虚线表示。
This is indicated in sheet music by a long wavy line connecting the two staves.这在乐谱中通过连接两个五线谱的长波浪线来指示。
The contour lines represent points of equal elevation.等高线代表等高线的点。
The mural has white diagonal lines crisscrossing in all directions. 壁画上有白色的对角线，在各个方向上纵横交错。
Red lines denote security updates and blue lines denote recommended updates.红线表示安全更新，蓝线表示推荐更新。
a pattern of parallel wavy lines平行波浪线图案
Draw a chalk line on the container to record the level.在容器上画一条粉笔线以记录液位。
He traces a line in white paint along the wall.他用白色油漆沿着墙壁画了一条线。
The road has a double yellow line painted on the side indicating that you cannot park.道路一侧画有双黄线，表示不能停车。
A red line marks where the wall stood.一条红线标记了墙所在的位置。
The pencil line connects one box to another.铅笔线把一个方框与另一个方框连起来。
The watercolor strokes and the pencil lines run in the same direction.水彩笔画和铅笔线朝同一方向延伸。
She draws the paint out into thin, spidery lines.她把颜料画成细细的、蜘蛛网般的线条。
The work shows thin black parallel lines crossing a field of white.该作品展示了穿过白色区域的细黑色平行线。
Dark areas are shaded with thin lines.深色区域用细线阴影。
Why is there that faint vertical line on the screen?为什么屏幕上有一条微弱的垂直线？
Yellowish spots form a line down the middle of the caterpillar's back.黄色斑点沿着毛毛虫背部中部形成一条线。

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

long
short
thick
…

verb + line

draw
mark

line + verb

run
divide something
separate something
…

preposition

in a line

phrases

a line of latitude
a line of longitude

[countable] a long, thin mark on the ground to show the limit or border of something, especially of a playing area in some sports界线；（尤指运动场地的）场地线，场界

The first to cross the line wins the race.第一个越过终点线的人赢得比赛。
They were all waiting on the starting line.他们全都在起跑线上等待着。
She crossed the centre line and hit an oncoming truck.她越过了中心线，撞上了一辆迎面而来的卡车。
over/across the line The ball was over the line.球越线出界了。
behind the line Your feet must be behind the line when you serve (= in tennis).发球时你的脚必须站在底线的外面。

see also finishing line, fire line, foul line, goal line, sideline, touchline

Extra Examples

The ball was called out but a replay showed it was right on the line.球被判出界，但重播显示球就在球线上。
A goal was given but I don't think the ball crossed the line.进球了，但我不认为球越过底线。
He moved the ball quickly along the line and scored.他沿着球线快速移动球并得分。
They are good at passing the ball down the line.他们擅长将球传到底线。
He stood in the middle of an empty football pitch, on the centre line.他站在空荡荡的足球场的中线上。
It was a photo finish, with three cyclists appearing to cross the line simultaneously.这是一张终点线照片，三名骑自行车的人似乎同时冲过终点线。
She got off the start line quickly and was leading at the 500-meter mark.她很快就冲出了起跑线，并在500米处处于领先地位。
It's a country lane with no lines.这是一条没有线路的乡间小路。

Topics Sports: ball and racket sportsa1

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

long
short
thick
…

verb + line

draw
mark

line + verb

run
divide something
separate something
…

preposition

in a line

phrases

a line of latitude
a line of longitude

[countable] a mark like a line on somebody’s skin that people usually get as they get older皱纹；褶子 synonym wrinkle

He has fine lines around his eyes.他的眼睛周围有细细的皱纹。

Extra Examples

Deep worry lines had appeared on her forehead.深深的愁纹已经爬上了她的额头。
I saw the faint lines of concern etched into his brow.我看见他的额头上已经出现了淡淡的愁纹。
a cream that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles改善细纹和皱纹的面霜
I'm starting to get lines around my mouth.我的嘴角开始出现皱纹。
The camera focuses on the wrinkled laughter lines around the man's eyes.镜头聚焦在男人眼睛周围皱纹般的笑纹上。
The bright light shows all the lines on your face.明亮的光线显示出你脸上的所有皱纹。
a slim face with deep lines on either side of the mouth脸型瘦，嘴角两侧有很深的皱纹
Smoking gives you lines on your skin.吸烟会让你的皮肤出现皱纹。
She says she doesn't frown because it gives you lines.她说她不会皱眉，因为皱眉会让你看到台词。

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

worry
deep
faint
…

verb + line

have

line + verb

run
appear

row of people/things

[countable] a row of people or things next to each other or behind each other排；行；列

They formed a line and marched forward.他们排成一列，向前行进。
in a line The children all stood in a line.孩子们全都站成一排。
line of something They were stuck in a line of traffic.他们塞在汽车长龙里面了。
a straight/long line of trees排成一条直线的树；一长排树

see also chorus line, defensive line, offensive line (1), picket line

Extra Examples

Make sure the posts are planted in a straight line.确保柱子种植在一条直线上。
There were three bins in a line.三个垃圾箱排成一排。
They were all walking along the lane in a line.他们都排成一排沿着小巷走着。
grasses are planted at regular intervals in long diagonal lines 草以长对角线等间隔种植
A line of cars stretched as far as the eye could see.一排汽车排成一排，一直延伸到视线的尽头。
There was a long line of lorries on the A40.A40 公路上有一长串卡车。
A line of dancers stood on stage kicking their legs.一排舞者站在舞台上踢腿。
A line of trees was sillhouetted against the sky.天空映衬出一排树木的轮廓。
A line of mounted police stopped protesters.一排骑警阻止了抗议者。

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

long
short
new
…

verb + line

form

preposition

in a/the line
on a/the line

[countable] (North American English) a queue of people（人）队伍，行列

A line formed at each teller window.银行每个出纳员的窗口前都排起了队。
in line to stand/wait in line排队等候
If you want a ticket, get in line.购票请排队。
line for something There's a line for the women's bathroom.女厕所要排队。
They have to stand in line for groceries.他们必须排队购买杂货。

Extra Examples

The lunch line was long as usual.午餐那里照常排着长队。
You'll have to wait in line like everybody else.你必须和所有其他人一样排队等候。
people standing in line at the bank人们在银行排队
How many hours each week do you spend waiting in line for coffee?您每周花几个小时排队等候咖啡？
‘Get back in line!’ the teacher snarled.“回去排队！”老师咆哮道。
He was sent to the back of the line.他被送到队伍的最后面。
I joined the line and prepared for a long wait.我加入了队伍，做好了漫长等待的准备。
supermarket checkout lines超市付款处等候的队列
The lines stretched around the block.队伍围绕着街区延伸。
There was a long line at the post office.邮局前排起了长队。
If there's a line for the women's room, I go in the men's.如果女洗手间有人排队，我就去男洗手间。

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

long
short
checkout
…

verb + line

form

preposition

in line

phone

[countable] a phone connection; a particular phone number电话线路；电话号码

The phone lines were jammed (= very busy) with people calling to complain.电话被投诉的人打爆了。
I tried to call but the line was busy.我试图打电话，但占线。
I was talking to John when the line suddenly went dead.我正和约翰谈话，突然电话断了。
Lines are open from 7.30 am until midnight seven days a week.线路每周 7 天从早上 7.30 开放至午夜。
If you hold the line (= stay on the phone and wait), I'll see if she is available.请你不要挂断电话，我去看看她能不能接电话。
on the line It's your mother on the line.是你妈妈的电话。
Your bill includes line rental.你的账单包括电话线路的租用费。

see also county lines, fixed-line, helpline, hotline, landline, offline, online, open line

Wordfinder

area code
call
dial
engaged
hold
line
message
phone
ring off
voicemail

Extra Examples

He kept shouting down the line at me.他一直在电话的另一端冲我大喊大叫。
Please stay on the line until one of our customer service operatives becomes available.请保持在线，直到我们的客户服务人员有空为止。
She didn't know that he was on the line listening to the call.她不知道他正在听电话。
Speak up—it's rather a bad line.说话大点儿声，这条线路相当糟糕。
What do I dial for an outside line?应该怎么拨外线？
At that time you needed a phone line to connect with the internet.那时你需要一条电话线来连接互联网。
The toll-free phone line is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.免费电话的开放时间为上午 8:30 至下午 6:30。
The panic room has its own ventilation system and telephone line.应急室有自己的通风系统和电话线。
He gave me the number of his private line.他给了我他的私人线路号码。
I don't use this line for personal calls.我不使用这条线路拨打私人电话。
You can call me back on this line.您可以用这条线路给我回电话。
‘Bye,’ he said and the line went dead.“再见，”他说，电话就断了。
Lines are now open and viewers can vote by calling 090 77 77 77.线路现已开放，观众可以拨打 090 77 77 77 进行投票。
Throughout the evening the telephone lines will be open for listeners to share their memories.整个晚上，电话线路将开放，供听众分享他们的回忆。
Whenever I try to ring the doctor's the lines are all busy.每当我尝试给医生打电话时，线路都占线。
They said they tried to call you, but your line was busy.他们说他们试图给您打电话，但您的电话占线。

Topics Phones, email and the interneta2

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

direct
trunk
power
…

verb + line

hold

line + verb

be busy
be engaged
be dead
…

preposition

down the line
on the line
on line
…

railway/bus

[countable] a railway track or other transport route; a section of a transport system or route（交通系统的）线；铁路线；（一段）交通线

The train was delayed because a tree had fallen across the line.火车晚点是因为有一棵树横倒在铁轨上。
a rail line铁路线
(British English also) a railway line铁路线
the East Coast line东海岸铁路线
We got off the bus near the end of the line at San Gerardo.我们在靠近终点站的圣杰拉尔多下了大巴车。
Streetcar lines carried passengers to ever more distant areas of the city.有轨电车线路将乘客运送到城市更远的地区。
on a line We live on the Northern Line.我们住在北在线。

route/direction

[countable, usually singular] the direction that somebody/something is moving or located in（行进的）方向，路线；方位

in a line Just keep going in a straight line.继续沿着直线走。
The town is in a direct line between London and the coast.这个镇在伦敦与海岸之间的直线上。
line of something Be careful to stay out of the line of fire (= the direction somebody is shooting in).注意待在射击路线以外。
They followed the line of the river for three miles.他们沿着那条河走了三英里。

Extra Examples

He couldn't even walk in a straight line.他甚至无法走直线。
The surveyors moved across the country, through forests, up mountains, and down ravines, but always travelling in straight lines.测量人员走遍全国，穿过森林、上山、下峡谷，但始终沿直线行进。
The wall follows the line of the mountain range.城墙沿着山脉的线条排列。
We could have gone in a more direct line to Denver.我们本来可以更直接地前往丹佛。
It's three miles along the road, although only a mile and a half away in a direct line.沿路行驶三英里，但直线距离只有一英里半。
The kitchen garden runs along the line of the building's south facing terrace.厨房花园沿着建筑物朝南的露台延伸。
If you follow the line of my finger, you can see the building there on the hillside.如果你顺着我手指的路线，你就能看到山坡上的建筑物。

[countable] a route from one place to another especially when it is used for a particular purpose路线；路径；渠道

Their aim was to block guerrilla supply lines.他们的目的是封锁游击队的供给线。

words

[countable]

(abbreviation l)

a row of words on a page or the empty space where they can be written; the words of a song or poem or other piece of writing一排，一行（文字、空行、歌词、诗等）

Look at line 5 of the text.看正文第 5 行。
Write the title of your essay on the top line.把文章的标题写在首行。
I can only remember the first two lines of that song.我只记得那首歌的头两句歌词。
She quoted a few lines of Shakespeare.她引用了莎士比亚的几句台词。
A team of programmers wrote 200 000 lines of code (= computer programming language).有一组程序员写了 200 000 行代码。
Avoid a line break (= starting a new line) in the middle of a word.避免在单词中间换行（= 开始新行）。

Wordfinder

act
cast
drama
entrance
exit
line
play
role
scene
speech

see also bottom line, command line, subject line, top line

Extra Examples

Start each paragraph on a new line.每一段另起一行。
There should be a full stop at the end of the line.行尾应该有一个句号。
He asked me to sing the opening lines of Tosti's ‘In the hush of the night’. 他让我唱托斯蒂的《在寂静的夜晚》的开头几句。
Each picture is accompanied by a short line of text.每张图片都附有一小行文字。
As soon as I read those lines I knew this was a writer I would love.当我读到这些台词时，我就知道这是我会喜欢的作家。
The story's first line reads, ‘There were once two little girls who saw, or believed they saw, a thing in a forest.’故事的第一行写道：“曾经有两个小女孩看到，或者相信她们看到了森林里的一个东西。”
He pointed to a line in the book he was holding.他指着手中的书本上的一行字。
Each line of the poem has five stressed syllables.这首诗的每一行都有五个重读音节。
A sonnet usually has fourteen lines.十四行诗通常有十四行。
The first letter of each line forms a word.每行的第一个字母组成一个单词。
The poet was very particular about the font, punctuation, and line spacing of his poems.这位诗人对诗歌的字体、标点和行距非常讲究。

Topics Literature and writinga1

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

long
short
new
…

verb + line

form

preposition

in a/the line
on a/the line

[countable] the words spoken by an actor in a play or film（戏剧或电影的）台词，对白

to learn your lines背台词
I keep forgetting my lines.我总是忘记台词。
The way she delivers the line is hilarious.她说这句话的方式很搞笑。
line from something He quoted a line from the film ‘Casablanca’.他引用了电影《卡萨布兰卡》中的一句台词。

He delivers his lines in a flat, uninflected way.他以一种平淡、不屈折的方式表达他的台词。
In a musical, actors often sing their lines.在音乐剧中，演员经常演唱台词。
In the audition you will be asked to read a few lines.在试镜中，您将被要求读几行。
He read his lines in a monotone.他单调地念着台词。
She is obviously reading lines from a script.她显然正在读剧本中的台词。
The film includes some great lines.这部电影有一些很棒的台词。
an unoriginal plot enlivened by a few good lines of dialogue一些好的对话让非原创的情节变得生动起来
That's when he utters the memorable line ‘Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.’就在那时，他说出了令人难忘的台词“坦白说，亲爱的，我不在乎。”
He started coughing in the middle of the line.他在队伍中间开始咳嗽。
It was a small part with few lines.这是一个很小的部分，只有几条线。
Actors always want more lines.演员总是想要更多的台词。

Topics Film and theatreb1

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverb + lines

learn
practise/practice
recite
…

lines

[plural] (British English) (in some schools) a punishment in which a child has to write out a particular sentence a number of times重复抄写句子的惩罚

The teacher gave me 100 lines.老师罚我抄写 100 行。

[countable] (informal) a remark, especially when somebody says it to achieve a particular purpose（尤指为达到某种目的说的）话，言语

Don't give me that line about having to work late again.别再跟我说不得不工作到很晚这样的话。
(British English) That's the worst chat-up line I've ever heard.我听过的调情的话里没有比这更差劲的了。

rope/wire/pipe

[countable, uncountable] a long piece of rope, string, etc., especially when it is used for a particular purpose一段绳（或线等）

They dropped the sails and threw a line to a man on the dock.他们放下风帆，把船缆抛给码头上的人。
on the line Towels were hanging on the line (= clothes line).毛巾挂在晒衣绳上。
He had a fish on his line.他的钓线上有一条鱼。
150 feet of nylon line150 英尺尼龙线

Wordfinder

bait
bite
dragnet
fishing
fly
hook
line
net
rod
trawl

see also clothes line, fishing line, lifeline, washing line, zip line

Extra Examples

Get the clothes off the line.把衣服脱下来。
When he reeled in his line, there was nothing on the end of it.当他收线时，发现线头什么也没有。
He measured the land by laying out lines running due east-west and six miles apart, cut at right angles by other lines running due north-south, to create a grid.他通过绘制正东西向、相距六英里的线来测量土地，这些线与其他正南北向的线成直角切割，形成一个网格。
An anchor was dropped over the side on almost 1 000 feet of anchor line.一根锚被抛在近 1000 英尺的锚线上。
The fish immediately pulled out about 20 yards of line.鱼立即拉出了大约20码的线。

[countable] a pipe or thick wire that carries water, gas or electricity from one place to another管道；线路

water/gas/sewage lines水管；输气管道；排污管
Telephone lines were brought down in the storm.电话线被暴风雨吹断了。
There were two fuel lines coming into the engine.有两条燃料线路接入发动机。
The telegraph lines connecting the two cities had been cut.连接两个城市的电报线已被切断。

division

[countable] an imaginary limit or border between one place or thing and another分界线；边界线

a district line一条区线
lines of longitude and latitude经线和纬线
across a line He was convicted of illegally importing weapons across state lines.他被判犯有非法越州偷运武器罪。

see also coastline, county line, dividing line (2), fault line (1), International Date Line, state line, treeline, waterline

Extra Examples

His family lived across the state line in West Virginia.他的家人住在州界线那边的西弗吉尼亚州境内。
As we crossed the New York state line, we passed a field of soybeans.当我们越过纽约州界线时，我们经过了一片大豆田。
He remembers the first time he crossed the line into Iraq.他还记得第一次越过伊拉克边境线的情景。
the boundary line between two countries两国之间的边界线
We must end this separation of rich and poor across school district lines.我们必须结束学区之间的贫富差距。
Computer databases are being used to redraw electoral district lines.计算机数据库被用来重新划定选区界限。
For residents of Los Angeles, California, the county line to the south is often referred to as ‘the orange curtain’. 对于加利福尼亚州洛杉矶的居民来说，南部的县线通常被称为“橙色窗帘”。
The Civil War was a moment when the various lines dividing the country were contested.内战是分裂国家的各种界线相互争夺的时刻。
The Equator is an imaginary line encircling the globe. 赤道是一条环绕地球的假想线。
When they talk about North and South, they are referring to an imaginary line from Dublin to Galway.当他们谈论南北时，他们指的是从都柏林到戈尔韦的一条假想线。

[countable] the division between one area of thought or behaviour and another or between one group of people and another（思想、行为或群体之间的）界限，界线

Mass consumption blurred the lines of class distinction.大众消费模糊了阶层划分。
We want to cut across lines of race, sex and religion.我们要超越种族、性别和宗教的界限。
Music offers a way to cross cultural lines.音乐提供了一种跨越文化界限的方式。
line between A and B There is a fine line between informing the public and alarming them.让公众知情和令公众惊恐仅一线之隔。

see also dividing line (1), fault line (2), poverty line, red line

Extra Examples

There's a fine line between showing interest in what someone is doing and interfering in it.对某人正在做的事情表现出兴趣和干涉之间有一条微妙的界限。
With this film he crosses the line into straightforward commercialism.通过这部电影，他跨越了直接商业主义的界限。
Government is damaged when the line separating church and state is crossed.当教会与国家的界限被跨越时，政府就会受到损害。
This architecture is about blurring the lines between nature and the built environment.该建筑旨在模糊自然与建筑环境之间的界限。
Her work plays with stereotypes, blurring lines of sex and gender.她的作品打破了刻板印象，模糊了性和性别的界限。
British figurative artist Gary Benfield straddles the line between drawing and painting.英国具象艺术家加里·本菲尔德（Gary Benfield）跨越了绘画和绘画之间的界限。
Some of the performances fail to straddle the fine line between understatement and dullness.有些表演未能跨越轻描淡写和沉闷之间的界限。

attitude/argument

[countable, usually singular] an attitude or a belief, especially one that somebody states publicly（尤指公开表明的）态度，看法

The company line is that discrimination in any form is not tolerated.公司的方针是不容忍任何形式的歧视。
line on something He supported the official line on education.他支持官方的教育理念。
The government is taking a firm line on terrorism.政府现在对恐怖主义采取强硬的态度。

see also hard line, hard-line, party line

Extra Examples

There's been a hardening of lines on both sides (= both sides have developed stricter or more fixed attitudes).双方的路线都变得强硬（=双方都形成了更严格或更固定的态度）。
A senior intelligence officer contradicted the government's official line.一名高级情报官员与政府的官方立场相矛盾。
Newsreaders just repeat the government line.新闻播音员只是重复政府的路线。
They are expected to unquestioningly support the management line.他们预计将毫无疑问地支持管理层。
His speech cast aside the Foreign Office line on the issue.他的讲话抛开了外交部在这个问题上的立场。
I tend to take the line that as long as everyone consents and is of a legal age, then it is best to just let people do what they want. 我倾向于认为，只要每个人都同意并且达到法定年龄，那么最好就让人们做他们想做的事。
The administration has taken a line that is basically contrary to its own principles.政府采取的路线基本上违背了自己的原则。

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

broad
firm
hard
…

verb + line

adopt
follow
pursue
…

preposition

in line with
out of line with
line on
…

phrases

a line of argument
a line of reasoning
a line of attack
…

[countable] a method or way of doing or thinking about something方法；方式

His research follows quite different lines.他的研究遵循完全不同的路线。
line of something I don't follow your line of reasoning.我不理解你的推理方法。
a line of thought/thinking一条思路/思路
She decided to try a different line of argument (= way of persuading somebody of something).她决定换一种说理方式。
somebody’s first line of attack/defence某人进行抨击／辩护的第一着
The police are pursuing a new line of inquiry (= way of finding out information).警方正在实施一种新的调查方法。

series

[countable, usually singular] a series of people, things or events that follow one another in time按时间顺序排列的人（或物、事件）；家系；家族

to pass something down through the male/female line通过父系／母系代代相传某物
line of something She came from a long line of doctors.她来自一个医生世家。
This novel is the latest in a long line of thrillers that he has written.这部小说是他写的系列惊险小说中最近出版的一部。
That was the first in a whole line of mistakes and bad decisions.这是一系列错误和错误决定中的第一个。
line (from somebody/something) (to somebody/something) The book traces a historical line from Beethoven to the present day.这本书追溯了从贝多芬至今的历史脉络。
down the line The muddle seems to have happened further down the line.混乱似乎发生在更远的地方。

Extra Examples

The film traces a line of events from their first meeting through to their tragic separation and death.影片追溯了从他们第一次见面到悲惨的分离和死亡的一系列事件。
We can trace a line of such thinking from Voltaire.我们可以从伏尔泰身上找到这样的思路。
His work is in a direct line from that of John Cassavetes.他的作品与约翰·卡索维茨的作品一脉相承。
I do not accept the claim that there is a direct line from Nietzsche via Heidegger to Nazism.我不接受从尼采经海德格尔到纳粹主义有直接联系的说法。
Mitochondrial DNA makes it possible to trace the maternal line.线粒体DNA使得追踪母系成为可能。
The mutation gets passed down the ancestral line.突变会遗传到祖先。
This is pop that can trace its line all the way back to the Beatles.这是一种可以追溯到披头士乐队的流行音乐。

[countable, usually singular] a series of people in order of importance一系列按重要性排列的人

line of something a line of command一系列按职务排序的指挥人员
There is some benefit to having a clear line of authority.拥有明确的权限有一定的好处。
down the line (from somebody/something) Orders came down the line from the very top.命令从最高领导人逐级传达下来。
in line (to somebody/something) He is second in line to the chairman.他的地位仅次于主席。
to be next in line to the throne为王位第一顺位继承人

shape

[countable] the edge, outline or shape of somebody/something边线；轮廓线；形体；形状

He traced the line of her jaw with his finger.他用手指顺着她的下巴外缘抚摸。
a beautiful sports car with sleek lines线条流畅、美观的跑车
I prefer simple lines in skirts and trousers.我更喜欢裙子和裤子的简单线条。

see also A-line, bikini lineTopics Colours and Shapesa1

in factory

[countable] a system of making something, in which the product moves from one worker to the next until it is finished生产线；流水线 see also assembly line, production line

activity

[singular] a type or area of business, activity or interest行业；活动的范围

line of something My line of work pays pretty well.我的职业报酬颇丰厚。
What line of business are they in?他们从事什么业务？
in the… line You can't do much in the art line without training.没经过训练，你在艺术行业是不会有多大作为的。

product

[countable] a type of product种类；类型

Some lines sell better than others.有些品种的货物销售得好些，有些则较差。
new product lines新产品线
line in something We are starting a new line in casual clothes.我们将着手经营一组新的休闲服系列。

transport

[countable] (often used in names) a company that provides transport for people or goods运输公司；航运公司

a shipping/bus line 航运／公共汽车公司
the White Star Line白星线

soldiers

[countable] a row or series of military defences where the soldiers are fighting during a war防线；前线；战线

They were trapped behind enemy lines (= in the area controlled by the enemy).他们在敌人后方遭到围困。

drugs

[countable] (slang) an amount of cocaine that is spread out in a thin line, ready to take（准备吸用的）散放成一条细线的可卡因

Word Originnoun Old English līne ‘rope, series’, probably of Germanic origin, from Latin linea (fibra) ‘flax (fibre)’, from Latin linum ‘flax’, reinforced in Middle English by Old French ligne, based on Latin linea.

Idioms

above the line

(finance) connected with the income that a company receives and the costs it has to pay in its daily business, which affect the profit it makes（公司收入和支出）线上的，经常性的
- All these costs are above the line and directly hit profits.所有这些成本支出都是线上的，直接影响利润。
compare below the line (1)Topics Moneyc2
(business) connected with advertising in the mass media（广告）线上的（见于大众传媒）
- They planned an advertising campaign with both above-the-line and social media components.他们策划了一场广告活动，包括线上广告和社交媒体广告。
compare below the line (2)Topics Businessc2

along/down the line

(informal) at some point during an activity or a process在某一环节；在某一时刻
- Somewhere along the line a large amount of money went missing.有一笔巨款在某一环节上不翼而飞。
- We'll make a decision on that further down the line.我们将在以后的阶段对此问题作出决策。

along/on (the)… lines

(informal) in the way that is mentioned按…方式
- The new system will operate along the same lines as the old one.新系统的运作方式将与旧系统一样。
- They voted along class lines.他们按各社会等级进行投票。
(informal) similar to the way or thing that is mentioned类似于（提及的方式或东西）
- Those aren't his exact words, but he said something along those lines.那些不是他的原话，但他说的大致就是这个意思。
- The hotel was built along the lines of a French chateau.该酒店是按照法国城堡的风格建造的。

the battle lines are drawn

used to say that people or groups have shown which side they intend to support in an argument or contest that is going to begin战线已经划清（指争战之际各拥一方形成对垒之势）Topics Opinion and argumentc2

be, come, etc. on line

to be working or functioning正运转；在运行
- The new working methods will come on line in June.新的操作方法将在六月实行。
see also online

be in the firing line

(North American English also be on the firing line)

to be in a position where you can be shot at处于射程以内
- attempts to prevent civilians from being in the firing line试图阻止平民进入前线
to be in a position where people can criticize or blame you处于易受批评（或责备）的地位
- The employment secretary found himself in the firing line over recent job cuts.劳工部长因近期的工作岗位削减而备受责难。

below the line

(finance) connected with unusual costs or income that a company pays or receives, that are not part of its daily business and are taken away or added after calculating profits（公司收入或支出）线下的，非经常性的
- There was a £4 million extraordinary charge below the line.有一项 400 万英镑的非经常性支出。
compare above the line (1)Topics Moneyc2
(business) connected with advertising by means of direct mail, email, social media, events, etc.（广告）线下的（见于邮寄传单、电子邮件、社交媒体、活动等）
- We are planning social networking, digital marketing and below-the-line activities across the country.我们计划在全国范围内开展社交网络、数字营销和线下活动。
compare above the line (2)Topics Businessc2
connected with a section at the end of an online article or blog post where readers can put comments（线上文章或博客帖子）评论区的
- There were numerous comments below the line.底下有很多评论。

bring somebody/something, come, get, fall, etc. into line (with somebody/something)

to behave or make somebody/something behave in the same way as other people or how they should behave使一致；使规范；使符合；（和…）一致
- The other members of the board must be brought into line.必须使董事会的其他成员保持一致。
- The actions of investors do not always fall into line with financial theory.投资者的行动并不总是符合金融理论。

cross a/the line

to do something that is not considered to be acceptable behaviour（行为）越界；做不可接受的事
- He crossed the line by making details of their very private conversation public.他把他们私密谈话的细节公之于众，这太过分了。

cut in line

(also jump the line)

(both North American English)

(British English jump the queue)

to go to the front of a line of people without waiting for your turn插队；加塞儿；不按次序排队
- Somebody cut in line in front of me.有人在我前面插队。

draw a line under something

(British English) to say that something is finished and not worth discussing any more到…为止；就…打住

(reach) the end of the line/road

(to reach) the point at which something can no longer continue in the same way（达到）尽头，极限；穷途末路
- A defeat in the second round marked the end of the line for last year's champion.第二局的失利表明去年的冠军得主已卫冕无望。
- The loss of this contract could signal the end of the line for the shipyard.失去这份合同可能意味着这个造船厂的倒闭。
- This latest disagreement could mean the end of the road for the band.最近出现的分歧可能意味着乐队要解散了。

a firm hand

strong control or discipline牢固控制；严格纪律；铁腕
- Those children need a firm hand to make them behave.那些孩子得严加管教。

hook, line and sinker

completely完全；全面；整体地
- What I said was not true, but he fell for it (= believed it) hook, line and sinker.我的话并非实话，但他完全相信了。

in (a) line (with something)

in a position that forms a straight line with something（与…）成一排，成一直线
- An eclipse happens when the earth and moon are in line with the sun.地球和月亮与太阳处在一条直线上就会发生日食或月食。

in line for something

likely to get something有可能获得某物
- She is in line for promotion.她有可能得到提升。

in the line of duty

while doing a job在执行任务时；在履行职责时
- A policeman was injured in the line of duty yesterday.昨天有一名警察在执行公务时受伤。

in line with something

similar to something or so that one thing is closely connected with another与…相似（或紧密相连）
- Annual pay increases will be in line with inflation.每年加薪幅度将与通货膨胀挂钩。

lay it on the line

(informal) to tell somebody clearly what you think, especially when they will not like what you say坦率地说；实话实说
- The manager laid it on the line—some people would have to lose their jobs.经理开门见山地说，有些人将要失去工作。

(draw) a line in the sand

(to establish) a clear limit to what you will do or accept沙：（确定）您将要做什么或接受什么的明确限制
- It’s time to draw a line in the sand and stop allowing workplace bullying to continue.是时候划清界限，停止让职场欺凌行为继续存在了。

(choose, follow, take, etc.) the line/path of least resistance

(to choose, etc.) the easiest way of doing something（采取）最省事的方法

(put something) on the line

(informal) at risk冒风险
- If we don't make a profit, my job is on the line.我们要是赚不了钱，我就有失业的危险。

out of line (with somebody/something)

not forming a straight line不成直线
different from something与…不同（或不一致）；不符合
- London prices are way out of line with the rest of the country.伦敦的物价与英国其他地方的有很大的差异。
(British English also out of order)
(informal) behaving in a way that is not acceptable or right行为不当；举止令人难以接受

overstep the mark/line

to behave in a way that people think is not acceptable（行为）越轨
- She realized she had overstepped the mark and quickly apologized.她意识到自己已经逾越了界限，并迅速道歉。

pitch a story/line/yarn (to somebody)

(informal) to tell somebody a story or make an excuse that is not true（对某人）编谎话

read between the lines

to look for or discover a meaning in something that is not openly stated领悟隐含的意义；看出言外之意
- Reading between the lines, I think Clare needs money.斟酌一下她的言外之意，我觉得克莱尔需要钱。

sign on the dotted line

(informal) to sign a document to show that you have agreed to buy something or do something在签字处签上姓名（表示同意）；签名同意
- Just sign on the dotted line and the car is yours.只要在虚线上签名，这车就归你了。
Topics Discussion and agreementc2

step out of line | be/get out of line

to behave badly or break the rules表现不好；不守规矩；越轨；出格
- His boss warned him that if he stepped out of line once more he would be fired.他的老板警告他，如果他再次越界，他将被解雇。

toe the (party) line

(North American English also toe the mark)

to say or do what somebody in authority tells you to say or do, even if you do not share the same opinions, etc.顺从当局（或集体）；遵循…路线
- One or two of them refused to toe the line.其中一两个人拒绝遵守规则。
- MPs rarely fail to toe the party line.议员们很少不遵循党的路线。

walk/tread a fine/thin line (between A and B)

to be in a difficult or dangerous situation where you could easily make a mistake处于困境（或险境）；如履薄冰；走钢丝
- He was walking a fine line between being funny and being rude.他想滑稽而不粗鲁，难以把握分寸。
- She often seems to tread a thin line between success and failure.她似乎经常在成功与失败之间徘徊。
Extra Examples
- His comedy treads the line between shocking and sickening.他的喜剧介于令人震惊和令人作呕之间。
- We have to walk a fine line to make sure we don't promote one brand more than another.我们必须谨慎行事，以确保我们不会比另一个品牌更多地推广一个品牌。
- His buildings walk the thin line between visionary and completely mad.他的建筑介于幻想与疯狂之间。

line

long thin mark

row of people/things

phone

railway/bus

route/direction

words

rope/wire/pipe

division

attitude/argument

series

shape

in factory

activity

product

transport

soldiers

drugs

line

cover inside

form rows