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walk the line

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌwɔk ðə ˈlaɪn/ · UK /ˌwɔːk ðə ˈlaɪn/

walk the line means: To keep a careful balance between different choices or opinions.

verb

BALANCE CHOICESC1

To keep a careful balance between different choices or opinions.

  • She walks the line between honesty and kindness.
  • The film walked the line between comedy and tragedy.
  • Can this policy walk the line between freedom and safety?

How to use it: walk the line between A and B (Teachers walk the line between being friendly and maintaining authority.)

Similar words: strike a balance

Common phrases: walk the line

CONTROL YOURSELFC1

To control your behavior so that you do not hurt people you care about.

  • He tries to walk the line for his family.
  • She walked the line despite the temptation to fight.
  • I promised my wife I would walk the line.

Similar words: behave, exercise self-control

Common phrases: walk the line

CHECK A BOUNDARYC2

To walk along a boundary to mark it or keep it secure.

  • The guards walk the line every morning.
  • We walked the line and marked the boundary with posts.
  • The farmer walks the line to check the boundary fence.

Similar words: patrol the boundary

Common phrases: walk the line

GRADUATEC2

To take part in a graduation ceremony, often by walking with the other students.

  • She will walk the line in June.
  • His parents watched him walk the line at graduation.
  • I finished my courses but chose not to walk the line.

Similar words: graduate

Common phrases: walk the line

Questions about walk the line

What does walk the line mean?

To keep a careful balance between different choices or opinions.

What is walk the line in other languages?

Türkçe: dengeyi korumak · Español: mantener el equilibrio · Français: maintenir un équilibre · Deutsch: eine Balance halten · Italiano: mantenere un equilibrio · 日本語: バランスを保つ

How do you pronounce walk the line?

In American English /ˌwɔk ðə ˈlaɪn/; in British English /ˌwɔːk ðə ˈlaɪn/.

How do you use walk the line in a sentence?

She walks the line between honesty and kindness. The film walked the line between comedy and tragedy.

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walk the line in other languages

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