hard lines

plural noun

chiefly British
: hard luck
—often used interjectionally

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for hard lines

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Browse Nearby Words

hard-line
hard lines
hard liquor
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Cite this Entry

“Hard lines.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard%20lines. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

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