"on the line" vs "in the line"

Question

"on the line" vs "in the line"

Both 'in the line' and 'on the line' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the line' is used when referring to being physically inside a line or queue, while 'on the line' is used when referring to being at risk or in a critical situation.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

Use 'on the line' when describing a situation where something important or valuable is at risk or in jeopardy.

Examples:

His job was on the line due to the company's financial troubles.
The championship title was on the line in the final match.
The future of the project is on the line if we don't meet the deadline.
Their reputation is on the line with this product launch.
The safety of the hostages was on the line during the negotiation.

Alternatives:

at stake
in jeopardy
in danger
at risk
hanging in the balance

Use 'in the line' when describing someone or something that is physically located within a line or queue of people or objects.

Examples:

Please wait in the line for your turn.
She stood patiently in the line at the grocery store.
The children were excited to be in the line for the roller coaster.
There was a long wait in the line for the concert tickets.
He was the last person in the line for the bus.

Alternatives:

in line
waiting in line
standing in line
queuing up
lining up

Answer 1

on the line

This phrase is correct when referring to being at risk or in a critical situation.

Answer 2

in the line

This phrase is correct when referring to being physically inside a line or queue.

"on the line" vs "in the line"

on the line

in the line

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