hard line

¹ American  

noun

1. an uncompromising or unyielding stand, especially in politics.

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hard-line ² American  

[hahrd-lahyn] / ˈhɑrdˌlaɪn /

Or hardline

adjective

1. adhering rigidly to a dogma, theory, or plan; uncompromising or unyielding.

   hard-line union demands.

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hard line British  

noun

1. 1. an uncompromising course or policy

   2.  hardline.  ( as modifier )

      a hardline policy

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hard line Idioms  

1. A firm, uncompromising policy or position. For example, The President was taking a hard line on the budget. [c. 1960]

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Other Word Forms

• hardliner noun

Etymology

Origin of hard line¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Origin of hard-line²

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Example Sentences

Now Musk, who has called himself a free-speech absolutist, while also vowing to take a hard line on child exploitation, faces growing calls for enforcement around the world and in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Rodriguez worries that Kast’s law-and-order hard line could upset the fragile peace that miners have established with indigenous peoples around their mines.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

And in the end, that hard line paid off.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 2025

He draws a hard line at megamansions on the ridgetops.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 2025

It had already started to dig into his shoulders, in a thin, hard line.

From "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill

Related Words

• hard-core
• militant
• staunch
• uncompromising
• unyielding