On this show , we talk about common , expressions in American English . Today , we will talk about the word “line .” Line is a simple , four-letter word , but it has many meanings , making a simple word complex . We will begin with an easy expression – in line . Now , you can simply stand in line at a store , bus stop or at a theater . Not many people like standing in a line . But you can also be in line for something important like a job or a job promotion . Being in line for a better job is something most people would like ! Let's say a friend of yours , Simone , is an accountant . She has a good job and is in line for a promotion at work . Simone doesn't make much money . So , you hope she gets the high-level , better paying position . But , Simone doesn't feel the same way . She has dreams of becoming a professional singer . She takes voice lessons every night and joins a singing group on the weekends . These activities change her lifestyle . She stays out late at night and comes in late to work . And she often sings at her desk ! This behavior puts the likelihood of her promotion on the line . Something “on the line ” is at a critical point or is at risk . But let's get back to Simone . You begin to feel worried about her double life as a singer . You want to tell Simone to fall in line , to follow the rules of her office . You remind your friend that her office has a hard line when it comes to showing up on time for work . A “hard line ” means a severe , uncompromising way of acting . A hard-liner is someone who sticks to some policy or rule . So , her boss is a hard-liner when it comes to showing up for work on time . He also doesn't like the accountants singing in front of the clients . But Simone doesn't listen . In fact , things get worse . She often leaves town for weeks at a time , touring around the country with her singing group . Now , her job is really on the line . You walk the line between warning her about landing on the unemployment line and respecting her privacy . The expression “walk the line ” has two meanings . One is to hold a position , usually on middle ground , between two very different choices . “I find it very , very easy to be true . Yes , I'll admit that I'm a fool for you . Because you're mine , I walk the line .” There is a fine line between wanting to help someone and interfering . A “fine line ” means a very small difference . After thinking about it , you decide to lay it on the line ! To lay it on the line means to talk very openly with someone . Often it is something that the person may not want to hear . So , you pull Simone aside and privately say , “Look . I'm going to lay it on the line for you . You need to take your job more seriously . Your whole career is on the line !” Or something along those lines . “Along those lines ” means “something like that .” At first , she seems thankful that you care so much . Then she tells you not to worry . A music producer , she says , offered her singing group a record deal ! You don't believe her . You say , “Don't give me that line !” When you give , hand or even feed someone a line , you are not telling that person the truth . But be careful . “Giving a line ” to someone is much different from giving or getting a line on someone . When you give or get a line on someone or something you have given or gotten information on that person or that thing . So , the preposition “on ” is very important in this expression . And you didn't use “on ” when you talked to Simone . So , she shouts back , “I'm not giving you a line . And how dare you accuse me of lying ! You have crossed the line !” When you “cross the line ,” you have gone too far in either your comments or your behavior . Now , you tell her that watching a friend ruin her career is where you draw the line . That is your limit ! This is similar to drawing a line in the sand . Again , it is a point you are not willing to go beyond . The bottom line is that you care about Simone and are worried about her . Here , the “bottom line ” means the most important thing . After this fight , Simone treats you differently . She doesn't answer your calls and doesn't ride to work with you anymore . When you ask what is wrong , she simply says , “Nothing .” But you can read between the lines . You know there is something wrong even if she won't tell you directly . “Reading between the lines ” means you to try to understand something that is not openly communicated . After thinking about it , you realize that your comments were out of line . They were hurtful and unacceptable . Perhaps down the line she will forgive you . But not right away – maybe sometime in the future . Simone's silence goes on for months . Then somewhere along the line -- you're not sure when -- she seems to disappear from your life completely . You accept the fact that your friendship with Simone has reached the end of the line . It's the end of the friendship . Then one day , she drops you a line ! She writes you a letter , saying she forgives you . Included with the letter is a package and a set of tickets . Simone sent you her singing group's new CD and two front row seats to their concert ! Drop us a line and let us know when you thought of this program . There's a fine , fine line between love and a waste of time .”