hard lines

plural noun

chiefly British
: hard luck
often used interjectionally

Examples of hard lines in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rubio was elected to the Senate in 2010 and has staked out a position as a foreign policy hawk, taking hard lines on China and Iran in particular. Jonathan Swan, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024 Another ’70s style sofa that relies more on curves than hard lines, this large number from CB2 favors a darker and low-slung look that could add a touch of softness to a more minimal and industrial living room. Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2024 Lawmakers have taken increasingly hard lines on China’s labor practices, intellectual property theft from foreign businesses and generous subsidies for factories that produce far more than Chinese consumers can buy. Jim Tankersley, New York Times, 18 May 2024 Soften hard lines with a rich leather sofa or even add leather pillows or a wool horse blanket to add warmth through natural fibers that complement contemporary design without overwhelming it. Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for hard lines 

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hard lines was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near hard lines

Cite this Entry

“Hard lines.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard%20lines. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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