between the lines

phrase

1
: by implication : in an indirect way
2
: by way of inference

Examples of between the lines in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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That never is a factor between the lines and when the clock is running. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 But this isn’t your average tennis court, with a chandelier somehow hanging from above and instead of grass or clay, there’s a damask carpet design laid between the lines. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026 On a warm and sunny September day, not much action between the lines had occurred before then. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 29 Sep. 2026 Especially here in Italy with the teams defending so well with less space between the lines. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for between the lines

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of between the lines was in 1849

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Between the lines.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/between%20the%20lines. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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