Definition

Noun: 1. A rope or line thrown to rescue someone from danger, especially from drowning: A physical line used to save a person in peril, typically in water. 2. A line used to raise, lower, or communicate with a deep-sea diver: A vital umbilical cord connecting a diver to the surface. 3. An essential means of support or connection for survival or continuation: Something that provides critical help, allowing a person, group, or project to survive or continue during a difficult time. 4. A line on the palm of the hand: In palmistry, a crease on the palm believed to indicate longevity.

Usage Examples

• Rescue Line:
  • The coastguard threw a lifeline to the struggling swimmer.
  • In an emergency, the ship's lifeline is secured along the deck.
• Diver's Line:
  • The diver checked his lifeline and air supply before descending.
  • Tugging on the lifeline was the pre-arranged signal to be pulled up.
• Essential Support:
  • The new contract was a financial lifeline for the small company.
  • For remote communities, the ferry service is an economic lifeline.
• Palmistry:
  • The palmist examined the length and depth of his lifeline.

Advanced Usage

• "To throw someone a lifeline": To provide someone with help at a critical moment when they are failing or in trouble.
  • The mentor threw her a lifeline by offering crucial advice before the presentation.
• "A lifeline to/for [someone/something]": Describes the thing that serves as the essential support.
  • The charity was a lifeline for families in need.

Variants and Related Words

• Lifeline is a compound noun (life + line). It is typically written as one word.
• Lifebuoy / Life preserver (n): A flotation device thrown to someone in the water. (Related to definition 1).
• Umbilical (n, technical): In diving or space contexts, a bundle of lines providing air, power, and communication. (Related to definition 2).

Synonyms

• Rescue line / Safety line (for definition 1 & 2).
• Salvation, mainstay, backbone (for definition 3).
• Support, sustenance (for definition 3).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Grasp/clutch at a lifeline: To eagerly accept an offer of help in a desperate situation.
  • Facing bankruptcy, he clutched at the lifeline of the investor's offer.
• A lifeline is cut/severed: The essential support is removed.
  • When funding was withdrawn, the project's lifeline was severed.

Noun

1. line thrown from a vessel that people can cling to in order to save themselves from drowning
2. line that raises or lowers a deep-sea diver
3. support that enables people to survive or to continue doing something (often by providing an essential connection)
   • the airlift provided a lifeline for Berlin
   • she offered me a lifeline in my time of grief
4. a crease on the palm; its length is said by palmists to indicate how long you will live