draw the line

present singular third person draws the line · participle present drawing the line · past drew the line · participle past drawn the line

1. idiomaticTo set a boundary, rule, or limit, especially on what one will tolerate.

   I don't mind if they have some fun, but I draw the line at anything that might harm others.

   2 more examples

   By contrast, the British government draws the line at giving the Community a significant new role in setting minimum standards on working conditions, labor representation on corporate boards, and social affairs.

   1991 December 11, Tom Redburn, “Labor Standards: Where Britain Drew the Line”, in The International Herald Tribune, →ISSN

   We are at a moment right now where people are asking themselves why can’t the Democratic Party defend this assault on democracy[…] and I would submit to you that if you can’t draw the line at genocide, you probably can’t draw the line at democracy.

   2025 February 20, Juan Cole, quoting Ta-Nehisi Coates, “Ta-Nehisi Coates: If Democrats can’t draw the Line at Genocide, they can’t Draw the Line at Democracy”, in Informed Comment (juancole.com)