between the lines

phrase

1
: by implication : in an indirect way
2
: by way of inference

Examples of between the lines in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both offer the width Alonso demands, allowing his attacking midfielders to drift inside and influence games between the lines. — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Then Scott began freestyling between the lines, delivering the ode to Odysseus promised by the nearly three-hour film. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 22 July 2026 This isn’t the unnerving California that lies between the lines. — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 14 July 2026 Effective boards create space for weak signals, uncomfortable trade-offs and questions management may not be ready to answer, which matters even more now that AI can make dashboards cleaner while the real risk sits between the lines. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for between the lines

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of between the lines was in 1849

Rhymes for between the lines

See All Rhymes for between the lines

Browse Nearby Words

between-the-lens shutter
between the lines
between the sheets
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Between the lines.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/between%20the%20lines. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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