try line
LowTechnical / Sport
Definition
Meaning
In rugby union, the white line at each end of the pitch where tries are scored by grounding the ball.
The term can also metaphorically represent the final point of achievement or the moment of truth in a competitive endeavour.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a specialized term specific to rugby union and rugby league; it is not used generically for other sports. It can also be referred to as 'try-line' (hyphenated).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is common in British, Irish, Southern Hemisphere, and other rugby-playing nations. In American English, it is virtually unknown outside of niche rugby circles. The equivalent concept in American football is the 'goal line'.
Connotations
In rugby-playing cultures, it carries connotations of effort, scoring, and glory. In non-rugby contexts, it is likely to be misunderstood.
Frequency
High frequency in rugby commentary and sports reporting in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, etc. Very low frequency elsewhere.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + cross(es) + the try line[Subject] + reach(es) + the try line[Subject] + defend(s) + the try lineVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a try line to try line effort! (commentary phrase for a long run)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Never used in standard business contexts. Could appear metaphorically in motivational speech: 'We need to cross the try line on this project.'
Academic
Only in sports science, sports history, or related fields.
Everyday
Only in everyday conversation in rugby-playing communities or among fans.
Technical
Exclusively used in the technical rules and commentary of rugby union and rugby league.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He managed to ground the ball just over the try-line.
American English
- She crossed the try line for a sensational score.
adjective
British English
- The try-line defence was absolutely heroic.
- A try-line scramble ensued.
American English
- The try line stand by the defense was impressive.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The player ran to the try line.
- The winger sprinted down the touchline and crossed the try line in the corner.
- Despite a desperate last-ditch tackle, he stretched out an arm and grounded the ball over the try line.
- The video referee had to examine multiple angles to determine whether the ball had been grounded before the player's foot touched the try-line in-goal area.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You TRY to get the ball over the LINE to score a TRY. The line you aim for is the TRY LINE.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS REACHING A PHYSICAL BOUNDARY (The try line is the boundary marking success).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'пытаться линия' which is nonsensical. It is a fixed term. In Russian, it is 'линия зачетного поля' or simply 'зачетная линия'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'finish line' in athletics.
- Using 'tryline' as one word without a hyphen is common but the hyphenated form 'try-line' is also correct.
- Thinking 'try' in 'try line' is a verb.
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'try line' primarily used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as two words ('try line'), though the hyphenated form 'try-line' is also acceptable and used.
In rugby, 'try line' and 'goal line' can be synonymous. In American football, only 'goal line' is used. In association football (soccer), 'goal line' refers to the line between the goalposts.
Yes, but very rarely. It might be used in a motivational business context in rugby-playing nations as a metaphor for achieving a key target, but it's not a standard metaphorical expression.
In rugby, a try is scored by grounding the ball with downward pressure on or over the opponent's try line within the in-goal area.