fine line

[ fahyn lahyn ]

noun

1. a small, barely perceptible difference:

   There's often a fine line between helping and interfering.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fine line¹

First recorded in 1845–50

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. walk a fine line,
   1. to act carefully in order to avoid the wrong outcome or maintain a delicate balance:

      Moderators walk a fine line between censorship and protecting their site's users.

      I had to walk a fine line between maintaining the peace and doing my job.

   2. to act in a way that risks a disastrous outcome:

      You’re walking a fine line, buddy—if you don’t start watching your mouth, you’ll lose the respect of your kids.

Example Sentences

They walk a fine line between supporting queer expression and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

From Los Angeles Times

They are trying to walk a fine line between being realistic about possible federal actions and not adding to people’s fears.

From Los Angeles Times

Lawson is mindful of achieving the right tone: “We’re always walking a fine line because we don’t want her to look ridiculous.”

From Los Angeles Times

Harris tried to walk the fine line of addressing the administration's record without casting shade on her boss, showing a reluctance to break with any of Biden's policies while also not outwardly promoting them on the campaign trail.

From BBC

It was a fine line to walk in a liberal city in the country’s largest left-leaning state, and one that critics on both sides of the political aisle say she did not stick to.

From BBC