draw a line between

draw a line between (two things)

To clearly separate or create boundaries for two things. If you're going to work closely with your wife, you really need to draw a line between your professional life and your personal life.

See also: between, draw, line

draw a line between

draw the line between something and something else Fig. to separate two things; to distinguish or differentiate between two things. (Also with the.) I draw a line between just bumping into people and actually striking them. It's very hard to draw a line between slamming a door and just closing it loudly.

See also: between, draw, line

draw a line between

Also, draw the line between. Define a limit between two groups, courses of action, or the like. For example, Legally it's important to draw a line between private and public enterprises, or We'll have to draw the line between our department's different jurisdictions. This metaphoric idiom was first recorded in 1793. Also see draw the line at.

See also: between, draw, line