party line

[ pahr-tee lahyn pahr-tee lahyn ]

noun

1. the authorized, prescribed policies and practices of a group, especially of the Communist Party, usually followed by the members without deviation; official philosophy or credo.
2. the guiding policy, tenets, or practices of a political party:

   The judge was chosen on party lines.

3. a telephone line connecting the telephones of a number of subscribers by one circuit to a central office, used in some rural areas.
4. the boundary line separating adjoining properties.

party line

noun

1. a telephone line serving two or more subscribers
2. the policies or dogma of a political party, to which all members are expected to subscribe
3. the boundary between adjoining property

Other Words From

• party-line adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of party line¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Idioms and Phrases

The official policy of an organization or government, as in The current party line opposes legalized abortion in all cases . This term, dating from about 1830, was originally used for a political party's official policy but in the mid-1900s was almost exclusively applied to the rigid dicta of the Soviet Communist Party. Since then it has returned to looser use.

Example Sentences

The government has taken a neutral stance, allowing MPs to have a free vote on the matter - meaning they can make their own choice and do not have to follow the party line.

From BBC

While Democrats have an advantage over registered Republicans, the Central Valley is home to many conservative Democrats, who often cross party lines to elect Republicans.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s a sentiment shared widely by crypto voters across the party lines, with many saying a proactive government position is overdue.

From Salon

But the season’s larger tensions had nothing to do with dating across party lines or who someone voted for.

From Salon

MPs will get a free vote on the issue, meaning they can choose based on their own conscience rather than having to follow the party line.

From BBC