along the line

A

along the line (idiom)
/əˈlɔŋ ðə laɪn/

Meaning

• Refers to a point or stage during a process, timeline, or sequence of events.
• Indicates a place or position within a specific path, route, or physical direction.
• Describes something that is similar in nature or concept to another idea, often phrased as “something along the line(s) of.”
• Means within the scope or range of a particular subject, category, or kind.
• Suggests a general course of development or action that continues over time.

Example Sentences

1. Somewhere along the line, we must have lost the original plan.
2. She said something along the line of needing more time to think.
3. You’ll find several cafés along the line as you travel toward the coast.
4. His interests are more along the line of design than finance.
5. Things changed drastically along the line, and we never got back on track.

Origin and History

The linguistic evidence suggests that the phrase has been in use since at least the early 20th century. One of the earliest printed records can be found in Arthur B. Reeve’s 1913 work Constance Dunlap; the idiom “somewhere along the line” is used in the following passage:

“Drummond dropped into a half-confidential, half-quizzing tone. ‘I thought not. Somewhere along the line that check has been stolen and raised to twenty-five thousand dollars,’ he remarked.”

In this context, “somewhere along the line” signifies an unspecified point during the process where the check was illicitly intercepted and altered. The phrase emphasizes the uncertainty regarding the exact moment or manner in which the fraudulent activity occurred.

Theories on Origin

Several theories exist regarding the origin of “along the line”:​

• Railroad Terminology: One plausible theory posits that the phrase originated from the railroad industry, where “along the line” referred to locations situated along a railway route. This usage would naturally extend to signify progression or development over time.​
• Military Context: Another theory suggests a military origin, where “line” denotes a formation of troops. “Along the line” could thus refer to events occurring at various points within a military formation.​
• Figurative Use of “Line”: The Oxford English Dictionary defines “line” in one sense as a plan of construction or procedure. Therefore, “along the line” might have evolved to mean following a particular plan or course of action.

Country of Origin

The idiom “along the line” is rooted in the English language and is predominantly used in English-speaking countries. Given the early 20th-century usage in American literature, it is likely that the phrase gained popularity in the United States before spreading to other English-speaking regions.

Variants

• along the lines of
• somewhere along the line
• further along the line
• later along the line

Time