Etymology

draw a line in the sand

Today it means: To lay down a challenge; to provide a test of commitment (often one which carries a high risk) to a cause. Full definition →

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The story

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.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.