hard lines

plural noun

chiefly British
: hard luck
often used interjectionally

Examples of hard lines in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hard lines.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 May. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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