Definition

Noun: 1. A boundary line marking the side of the playing field in certain sports: Specifically, in sports like soccer (football) and rugby, the touchline is one of the two lines that define the longer sides of the rectangular field of play. The ball is considered out of play when it completely crosses this line.

Usage

• The touchline is a critical part of the field's geometry. Coaches and substitute players often stand near it.
• The primary function is to define the lateral boundary of the pitch. When the ball goes over the touchline, play is restarted with a throw-in (soccer) or a line-out (rugby).
• It is used literally to refer to the physical line itself.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To be sent to the touchline": Can be used metaphorically to indicate being removed from active participation, similar to a player being substituted or sent off.
  • After his controversial comments, the politician was effectively sent to the touchline by his party.

Variants and Related Words

• Sideline (noun): A more general term for a line marking the side boundary of a playing area in various sports; often used interchangeably with "touchline" in some contexts, though "touchline" is specific to soccer and rugby.
• Byline (noun): A different line on a soccer field marking the goal area; not to be confused with touchline.
• Touch (noun): In rugby, the area outside the touchlines. The phrase "in touch" means the ball is out of play.

Synonyms

• Boundary line
• Sideline (in the context of soccer and rugby)

Related Phrases

• "To hug the touchline": A tactical phrase describing a player, typically a winger, who stays very close to the sideline to stretch the opposing defense.
  • The speedy winger was instructed to hug the touchline to create space in the middle.

Noun

1. either of the sidelines in soccer or rugby