hard-line
hard-line — noun
1. a position or attitude that is very strict and refuses to make any allowances or
a position or attitude that is very strict and refuses to make any allowances or compromises, especially in political or policy discussions
The party leadership adopted a hard-line on immigration that surprised many of their supporters.
collocation: adopt a hard-line on [issue]
Citizens grew tired of the government's hard-line toward striking workers during the dispute.
collocation: hard-line toward [group]
The principal's hard-line against cheating brought the number of dishonest students down sharply.
Management's hard-line during the salary talks pushed the union to call a strike vote.
- intransigence
formal; describes unwillingness to change one's position
- firmness
less extreme than 'hard-line'; can be positive
- stubbornness
negative tone; suggests unreasonable refusal to change
- flexibility
willingness to adapt or compromise
- moderation
a middle-ground approach
文法句型
take/adopt/maintain a hard-line on [issue]
用法筆記
Often used after possessive nouns ('the CEO's hard-line') and with verbs like 'take', 'adopt', 'maintain'. Less common than the adjective form. In everyday contexts, 'strictness' or 'firmness' is more natural.
常見錯誤
hard-line — adjective
1. describes a person, policy, or position that is extremely strict and refuses to
describes a person, policy, or position that is extremely strict and refuses to change or accept any form of compromise
Hard-line members of the party refused to support any compromise in the trade deal.
collocation: hard-line members / hard-line supporters
Lucía holds hard-line views on environmental regulation that clash with business interests.
collocation: hard-line views / hard-line position
The general took a hard-line approach to the rebel group and refused to negotiate.
A hard-line judge imposed the maximum sentence allowed by law on the convicted official.
Xiu's hard-line policies as mayor reduced street crime but angered civil rights groups.
- uncompromising
similar rigidity; also used in non-political contexts
- strict
milder; used for rules and people in everyday settings
- rigid
suggests inflexibility; can have a negative tone
文法句型
hard-line + noun (member, policy, approach, view)
用法筆記
Typically describes political positions, policies, or people who hold extreme views. Not used for everyday personal strictness ('a hard-line teacher' would sound unnatural and overly political).