line drawn on water
The phrase "line drawn on water" is a metaphor for something impermanent or futile.
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Definition
C1General
(metaphorical)An action or effort that has no lasting effect.
Example
- Promising to change overnight is like drawing a line on water.
- His apologies were like lines drawn on water, quickly forgotten.
C2Conceptual
(metaphorical)A border or distinction that is unclear and constantly changing.
Example
- The boundary between work and personal life can often feel like a line drawn on water.
- The difference between right and wrong can sometimes seem like a line drawn on water.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "line drawn on water":
line drawingwater linedraw a line in the sandgreen linestill waterwater level