hot line

Idioms  

1. A telephone line that gives quick and direct access to a source of information or help. For example, Our state has an AIDS hot line in every county. This term was originally (and is still) used for a direct link between heads of government for use during a crisis, but was quickly extended to wider applications. [1950s]

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Example Sentences

A lot of calls have been from farmworkers concerned about losing work because of the rain, said Ariana Borroel, who oversees the hot line.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2023

"It was very odd because I felt like my feet were still there and it felt like there was a red hot line across my shins."

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2023

People can lodge reports through a hot line or website, by post, in person, or any other way.

From Reuters • Jun. 7, 2022

“No hot line for people who are mobility impaired or don’t have reliable access to a car” to carry their recyclables to a central drop-off site.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 14, 2022

“Are you suggesting I commit an act of war because this man has a hot line to the spirit world?”

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer