lineline /laɪn/ noun [countableC]1 (also product line)MARKETING a type of product that a company makes or sells, often with several different sizes, models etcSYN RANGEIt continues to get about two-thirds of its revenue from this one product, despite repeated efforts to diversify its product line (=develop new products).
Hasbro, the maker of the G.I. Joe line of dolls
→ full line2MANUFACTURING a team of people who work together, each doing a different job but working to achieve the same thing
→ assembly line3COMMERCEsomeone’s line of work, business etc is the work that they doA corporation may get into a certain line of business as a short-term objective to generate cash-flow.
4TRANSPORTTRAVELa company providing a system for moving goods or people by sea, air, road etca cartel that shut out rival shipping lines
5a telephone connection, or a telephone number you can call if you have a particular kind of question or problemOur lines are open 7 days a week.
If you want advice, you can call our Action Line.
→ see also landline 6hold the line if you ask someone you are speaking to on the telephone to hold the line, you are asking them politely to wait for a short timeIf you will please hold the line a moment I will see if Mr Wyatt is available.
7on the line if someone is on the line, they have called you on the telephoneCan’t it wait? I’ve got a client on the line.
8on the line if your job, home etc is on the line, you risk losing itThey have put their homes on the line to do this deal.
If they fail, their reputations are on the line.
9in line with if something changes in line with something else, it changes at the same rateThe value of these stocks is uprated each year in line with changes in the retail price index.
10in line for likely to get somethingIf he delivers the goods, he should be in line for a job on the committee.
11on/off lineCOMPUTING if you are on line, your computer is connected to other computers or the Internet. If a computer is off line, it is not connected to other computers or the InternetYou can book tickets on line (=on the Internet).
12come on line if a system, arrangement or new product comes on line, it becomes availableNew oil production wells are coming on line.
13sign on the dotted line to agree officially to something by writing your name on a documentDemand that the repairs are done before you sign on the dotted line.
14in the firing line/in the line of fire in a position where you can be criticized or blamed for somethingWhen things go wrong, company directors are the ones in the firing line.