draw a line in the sand
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To establish a figurative boundary that someone or some group refuses to cross or beyond which no further advance or compromise is accepted. I don't mind my roommate being a bit messy, but leaving dirty dishes for me to clean up is where I draw a line in the sand!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
draw a line in the sand
Fig. to create or declare an artificial boundary and imply that crossing it will cause trouble. Todd drew a line in the sand by giving his roommate an ultimatum about his sloppiness—he had to start cleaning up after himself or move out.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
draw a line in the ˈsand
set a limit that you refuse to allow something to go beyond: The government is trying to draw a line in the sand regarding public sector pay rises.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017