The nouns line, used in idioms in most case has its meanings related - in one way or another - to the ideas of communication or position (both literally and metaphorically speaking).
- a party line: a telephone line which is shared by to or more subscribers.
- to be in / out of line (with): to be in agreement / disagreement (with something).
Your suggestions are out of line with the former proposals.
- to be (next) in line (for something): to be (the next person) due for something.
Who's next in line for promotion in your department?
- to come / fall into line (with somebody): to agree with someone, to accept his opinion.
I'm sure Sue will fall into line with us on this matter when she realizes how serious it is.
- to drop someone a line (inf.): to write to someone.
- to read between the lines: to understand or sense more than the actual words (spoken or written) appear to mean or express.
She didn't tell me directly, but reading between the lines, I think she's going to take the job.
- to shoot a line (inf.): to lie or exaggerate about one's successes, capabilities, etc.
- to take the firm / hard / strong line (with someone) (over/on something): to deal decisively (with someone) (over/on a certain matter).
Some of the employees have produced bad work. The management will have to take a firmer line with them in future.
- all along the line: at every point, in all matter, with everyone.
Since he started wearing contact lenses and washing his hair, he's been a success all along the line.
- to toe the line: to obey orders, submit to discipline.
If Joe doesn't toe the line in future, he'll be dismissed from the team.
- to cross the line: to go beyond accepted standards of behavior. Sometimes, cross a boundary.
His outburst crossed the line between heated argument and offensive vilification.
- down the line: in all ways; thoroughly; fully.
It's a fine house right down the line—well-built, roomy, attractive.
- to draw the line: to impose a restriction; limit.
They might exaggerate but would draw the line at outright lying.
- to go up in one's lines (in theater): to forget one's part during a performance. Also, British, to go up on one's lines.
- along the lines of (on the lines of): roughly similar or in keeping with. This idiom uses line in the sense of "a direction or procedure".
We told the architect we want a design along the lines of his own house but smaller.
Jane asked the caterer for a menu on the lines of the Morgans' wedding reception.
- down-the-line
adjective: complete, full, unreserved, or whole-hearted: a down-the-line endorsement.
adverb: fully; completely; whole-heartedly: Will you support it down-the-line?
- to draw a line: reasonably object (to) or set a limit (on)
I draw the line when it comes to lending money to friends!
- to draw the line at: refuse to go any further than. This expression alludes to a line drawn at a stopping point of some kind.
I draw the line at giving them more money.
- end of the line (end of the road): the conclusion or final outcome. This idiom alludes to the point where a road or line stops.
The editorial pointed out that it was the end of the line for the President; he'd never be reelected.
It was obviously the end of the road for this television series.
- to feed someone a line: cue an actor with his or her next line (or lines), or tell someone what to say.
Some contestants become tongue-tied, so someone has to feed them a line.
Eric still has trouble learning a part; he needs someone to feed him his lines .
- to hand someone a line: lead someone on, deceive with glib or exaggerated talk.
He really fed them a line about his important new position.
Don't hand me a line I know exactly how much you paid for it.
- firing line: the forefront of any action or activity, especially a controversy.
- get a line on (have a line on): acquire information about something or someone, come to know.
Sue got a line on some possible tennis partners.
The realtor has a line on a number of vacant apartments.
Similarly, means "provide information about". This idiom uses line in the sense of "a direct course."
The librarian gave me a line on the books I would need.
- hard line: an uncompromising or unyielding stand, especially in politics; adhering rigidly to a dogma, theory, or plan; uncompromising or unyielding: hard-line union demands.
- to hold the line: to keep a telephone line open.
- hook, line, and sinker (inf.): entirely; completely.
He fell for the story—hook, line, and sinker.
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