Definition

1. Noun:
   • A telephone line shared by multiple subscribers: A single physical telephone circuit that serves two or more separate households or subscribers.
   • The official policy or set of beliefs of a political group: The official, prescribed, or orthodox position of a political party, organization, or other group, which its members are expected to support publicly.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Telephone line):

  • In the rural village, several families shared a party line.
  • She picked up the phone and realized someone else was already using the party line.

• Noun (Political/Group policy):

  • The senator always votes according to the party line.
  • He was criticized for publicly deviating from the company's party line on the issue.

Advanced Usage

• "To toe the party line": To conform strictly and obediently to the official policy or doctrine of a group.
  • Despite his personal doubts, the minister knew he had to toe the party line.

Variants and Related Words

• Party-liner (noun): A person who adheres strictly to a party line.
  • He was seen as a loyal party-liner who never questioned the leadership.

Synonyms

• Doctrine: A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a group.
• Policy: A course or principle of action adopted by an organization.
• Shared line: (For the telephone meaning) A circuit used by multiple parties.

Related Phrases

• Along party lines: In a manner that reflects the division or allegiance to political parties.
  • The committee vote split along party lines, with all Democrats in favor and all Republicans opposed.

Noun

1. a telephone line serving two or more subscribers
2. the policy of a political group
   • He won in a vote along party lines