the battle lines are drawn
(redirected from battle lines are drawn)the battle lines are drawn
The sides of an argument or conflict are clearly distinguished and are ready to argue, battle, etc. Dude, Jenny just endorsed Heather for class president, and Tina is furious. The battle lines are drawn. I don't think anyone is in doubt about who belongs to which faction on the board. The battle lines are drawn, and the next meeting will be war.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
the battle lines are drawn
COMMON If the battle lines are drawn between opposing groups or people, they are ready to start fighting or arguing, and it has become clear what the main points of conflict or disagreement will be. The battle lines were drawn yesterday for the fiercest contest in the history of local radio. Battle lines were already being drawn up for a future power struggle.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
the battle lines are ˈdrawn
used to say that people or groups have shown which side they intend to support in a dispute or contest that is going to begin: The battle lines are being drawn in the fight for control of the company.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017