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to draw a line under something
01
to decide to put an end to something by dealing with it
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "draw a line under something" and when to use it?
The idiom "draw a line under something" likely originates from the act of drawing a line to mark the end of an entry or section in an account book or ledger. In a broader sense, it means to conclude, finalize, or put an end to a particular issue or situation. It suggests that after addressing or acknowledging a problem, one should move forward and not dwell on it any longer.
Example
Following a thorough investigation, the police department finally drew a line under the long-running criminal case.
The school principal hopes to draw a line under the recent disciplinary issues and foster a more positive environment.
After the heated argument, the family decided to draw a line under the disagreement and focus on reconciling.
After the heated argument, the family decided to draw a line under the disagreement and focus on reconciling.
