E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| Hard Lines. | |
Hard terms; rather rough treatment; exacting. Lines mean lot or allotment (measured out by a line measure), as, The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage, i.e. my allotment is excellent. Hard lines = an unfavourable allotment (or task). | 1 |
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That was hard lines upon me, after I had given up everything.G. Eliot. |
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