string line: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical (construction, surveying, gardening), occasionally used metaphorically in business/management contexts.
Quick answer
What does “string line” mean?
A thin, strong cord or wire, often with markers, stretched taut to mark a straight line for construction, landscaping, or alignment purposes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thin, strong cord or wire, often with markers, stretched taut to mark a straight line for construction, landscaping, or alignment purposes.
Used metaphorically to denote a strict boundary, rule, or standard that must be followed; a principle or limit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though related tools may have different names (e.g., 'line level' vs. 'string level').
Connotations
Primarily practical and technical; no significant connotative difference between variants.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American DIY (Do-It-Yourself) and construction contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “string line” in a Sentence
VERB + string line: stretch, set up, use, follow, check againstPREP + string line: along the ~, with a ~, against the ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “string line” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to string-line the patio before we lay the slabs.
American English
- We'll string-line the fence posts to ensure they're straight.
adverb
British English
- The posts were set string-line straight.
American English
- Lay the bricks string-line true.
adjective
British English
- The string-line method is essential for accurate bricklaying.
American English
- He used a simple string-line technique to mark the garden bed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The new policy sets a clear string line for ethical conduct.'
Academic
Rare, except in technical papers on construction or archaeology.
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be used when discussing home improvement projects.
Technical
Primary context: 'The foundation was laid perfectly straight using a string line.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “string line”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “string line”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “string line”
- Using 'thread line' (incorrect).
- Using 'string' alone when the tool/function is meant ('use a string' is ambiguous).
- Misspelling as 'stringline' (should be two words or hyphenated: string-line).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as two separate words ('string line'). The hyphenated form 'string-line' is also acceptable, especially when used as a modifier (e.g., string-line technique).
A string line is a general term for a taut cord used as a guide. A chalk line (or snap line) is a specific type of string line filled with chalk dust, which is snapped onto a surface to leave a straight, temporary mark.
Yes, in technical contexts, particularly in construction and landscaping. It means to use a string line to mark or check alignment (e.g., 'We need to string-line the foundation').
No, it is a technical term. Most people will only encounter it in specific contexts like DIY, gardening, construction, or in metaphorical use in management.
A thin, strong cord or wire, often with markers, stretched taut to mark a straight line for construction, landscaping, or alignment purposes.
String line is usually technical (construction, surveying, gardening), occasionally used metaphorically in business/management contexts. in register.
String line: in British English it is pronounced /strɪŋ laɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /strɪŋ laɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To toe the line (related conceptually, but not using the phrase 'string line')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STRING pulled into a straight LINE. Both words describe exactly what it is.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PRINCIPLE IS A GUIDELINE / A RULE IS A PHYSICAL BOUNDARY.
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical business context, what does 'setting a string line' most closely mean?