draw a line in the sand

动词 v.
中文释义

英文释义

动词 v.
  1. To lay down a challenge; to provide a test of commitment (often one which carries a high risk) to a cause. intransitive
    — "Well," Judd said, "what's the deal. You in or out?" "I have to decide right now?" "We have a meeting with Bruce tonight and church tomorrow morning. You go with us tonight and you promise to go tomorrow, or you move out this afternoon." "The man's drawing a line in the sand for you," Lionel said. "Lionel!" Vicki scolded. "I'm just sayin', the line has been drawn. You crossing the line, Ryan? Or are you with us?"
  2. To create a real or artificial boundary or distinction between (two places, people or things).
    — At some point you ask, "Where do we draw a line in the sand between deconstruction as desertification of God and as desertion of God?" There is no line.
  3. To indicate the threshold or level above which something will become unacceptable or will provoke a response; to create a boundary and imply or declare that its crossing will provoke a (negative) response.
    — “A line has been drawn in the sand” against any Iraqi invasion of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Bush said.

词形变化

draws a line in the sand present,singular,third-person drawing a line in the sand participle,present drew a line in the sand past drawn a line in the sand participle,past draw lines in the sand alternative

词源

Unknown. In the US, it is commonly accepted as a reference to the action of William B. Travis, who, in 1836, while commanding the defenders of the Alamo and contemplating a demand for surrender, drew a line in the sand and asked those willing to remain and defend the Alamo to their deaths to step across.
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