lifeline
/ˈlaɪflaɪn/noun
1
- a rope or line used for life-saving, typically one thrown to rescue someone in difficulties in water or one used by sailors to secure themselves to a boat救生索。
1.1
- a line used by a diver for sending signals to the surface（潜水员的）信号索。
1.2
- figurative a thing which is essential for the continued existence of someone or something or which provides a means of escape from a difficult situation〈喻〉惟一的出路, 继续生存所必需的出路; 摆脱困境的手段：
fertility treatment can seem like a lifeline to childless couples.
对没有孩子的夫妇来说, 不孕症的治疗可能是惟一的希望。
1.3
- Brit. an emergency telephone counselling service〈英〉求救电话。
2
- (in palmistry) a line on the palm of a person's hand, regarded as indicating how long they will live（手相术中所说的手掌上的）寿命线。
短语
throw a lifeline to（或 throw someone a lifeline）
- provide (someone) with a means of escaping from a difficult situation向某人提供脱离困境的手段。