down the line

1 of 2

phrase

1

: all the way : fully

supported him right down the line

2

: in the future

planning some further changes down the line

problems that might occur a few years down the line

down-the-line

2 of 2

adjective

ˈdau̇n-ṯẖə-ˈlīn 

: complete

a down-the-line union supporter

Synonyms of down the line

Adjective

• staunch
• steadfast
• loyal
• true
• good
• faithful
• devout

Examples of down the line in a Sentence

Adjective

a down-the-line supporter of the Republican Party

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

Trump was without a plan for the day after the regime might fall, or the month after the first bomb fell, or even two weeks down the line. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

One of the best things about this episode’s edit is the sharp contrast between the players’ breathless race up and down the line of rooms and shots of the more relaxed atmosphere in any room that isn’t actively in use. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026

Adjective

Instead of the same wider down-the-line shots, the network showed tighter solo shots of select players, including Stephon Castle, Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart, as well as both head coaches. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026

His down-the-line forehand averages 75 mph, which is 4 mph faster than the tour average but 6 mph slower than his usual regular topspin forehand. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for down the line

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline