draw the line

IPA/dɹˈɔː ðə lˈaɪn/
IPA/dɹˈɔː ðə lˈaɪn/

draw the line — 慣用語

1. to refuse to accept or do a particular thing because you believe it is morally w

1.慣用語B2
釋義

劃清界線

拒絕做認為不妥的事

to refuse to accept or do a particular thing because you believe it is morally wrong, inappropriate, or beyond what you are willing to tolerate

例句

Tendai helps friends with homework, but draws the line at writing their essays.

Tendai 會幫朋友做功課，但拒絕幫他們寫論文——他對此劃清界線。

draw the line at + gerund (writing)

Eve has wine with dinner, but draws the line at drinking during work hours.

Eve 晚餐時會喝點酒，但堅持上班時間不喝——她對此劃清界線。

常見搭配
  • draw the line at
  • draw the line when
  • drew the line at
同義詞
  • set a limit

    more literal and less emphatic; carries less moral weight than 'draw the line'

  • refuse to go further

    a paraphrase rather than a fixed idiom; less concise

反義詞

文法句型

draw the line at + noun/gerund

draw the line + when-clause

用法筆記

Commonly followed by 'at' + a noun or gerund to specify the unacceptable action. The phrase can also appear in past tense ('drew the line') with no change in meaning.

常見錯誤

I draw a line at eating meat.
I draw the line at eating meat.
the idiom uses 'the', not 'a'.
I draw the line to help him cheat.
I draw the line at helping him cheat.
use 'at' + gerund, not 'to' + infinitive.