English idiom

down the line

Register · Informal CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

at a later point in time; in the future

Why this phrase?

Pictures a timeline as a line; not a literal line.

Example

“You may regret that decision somewhere down the line.”

Dictionary details

Tags

time

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

bright and early

at the very start of the morning

early bird

someone who prefers beginning the day before most other people

hang on a minute

used to ask someone to wait, or to express surprise or objection

so far so good

used to say that things have gone well up to now

at the end of the day

ultimately; when everything is considered

for the time being

temporarily, until circumstances change

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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