on the line

on the line

1. On a level with the eye of the observer, as of a picture hung in on a wall.
2. (idiomatic) At risk, as in a contest or enterprise.

   The survival of the company is on the line with this project.

   I have a stalker. My life is on the line! - Gabrielle, from Desperate Housewives season 3 episode 13

   • 2019 January 26, Kitty Empire, “The Streets review – the agony and ecstasy of a great everyman”, in The Guardian‎:

     The 40-year-old is happy to put his body on the line in other ways, swapping a mug of tea for a fan’s double pint of lager and messily necking it in one.

3. Currently calling on the telephone.

   I have John on the line for you.

4. (sports) On one of the lines marked on a playing field or court and, hence, in bounds.

   The ball was on the line but the umpire ruled it out.

• (at risk): at stake, on the rocks

• ass on the line
• lay on the line