Line in the sand is an idiom with two similar meanings:
The first meaning is of a point beyond which one will proceed no further. An example would be a person who might agree to visit a bar with his friends, but will go no further.
The second meaning is that of a point beyond which, once the decision to go beyond it is made, the decision and its resulting consequences are permanently decided and irreversible. An example would be to commit funds to completing a project ; once committed, the funds cannot be spent on another activity, and the project will either succeed or fail.
Origin
Biblical link to . Some have interpreted Jesus' writing in the sand, as drawing a line in the sand in order to address those who are about to stone a woman caught in adultery. However, the literal translation is not that he drew a line in the sand, but that he "wrote" in the sand, an important distinction. The exact origin of the phrase is unknown: the Oxford English Dictionary suggests a transitional use from 1950, but a definitely figurative use only as late as 1978: There is reference to an actual line being drawn in several historical, or legendary, military events:
One of the earliest recorded instance is in Indian epicRamayana where Lakshmana draws a line around the dwelling to protect Sita. This phrase is often used in India even today, and is called Lakshman Rekha.
In 168 BC, a Roman Consul named Gaius Popillius Laenas drew a circular line in the sand around King Antiochus IV of the Seleucid Empire, then said, "Before you cross this circle I want you to give me a reply for the Roman Senate" – implying that Rome would declare war if the King stepped out of the circle without committing to leave Egypt immediately. Weighing his options, Antiochus wisely decided to withdraw. Only then did Popillius agree to shake hands with him.
In 1527, during the second expedition for the conquest of Peru, the Governor of Panama sent two ships to Isla de Gallo to rescue Francisco Pizarro and his troops. Pizarro drew a line in the sand, saying: "There lies Peru with its riches; Here, Panama and its poverty. Choose, each man, what best becomes a brave Castilian." Only thirteen men continued with Pizarro, the others left for Panama.
In 1807 or 1808, the Maori tribe Ngāti Whātua won a battle against their Ngapuhi enemies on a beach at Moremonui in the far north of New Zealand. One of the victorious chiefs, Taoho, drew a line in the sand with his spear and ordered that no Ngapuhi were to be slain beyond that point. This battle, the first of the Musket Wars, was called Te Kai a te Karoro because seagulls joined the victors in eating the slain.
In the United States, the phrase is most commonly associated with Texas history surrounding the Battle of the Alamo, as it is attributed to Colonel William Travis, commander of the Alamodefense forces. In the waning days of the Battle, with Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna having the Alamo completely surrounded, Santa Anna sent a messenger to Travis demanding surrender, or else everyone in the compound would be killed. According to the legend, Travis called the Alamo defenders together, explained that defeat was almost certain, and read the letter of surrender; Travis then reportedly pulled his battle sword, used it to draw a line in the ground of the Alamo, and asked for volunteers to cross over the line and join him, understanding their decision would be irreversible.The legend states that all but one of the defenders joined Travis on his side of the line; Tapley Holland would be the first over the line. Moses Rose was the only defender choosing to leave the compound. Travis then responded to Santa Anna's letter with cannon fire, whereupon Santa Anna replied by playing El Degüello.
Recent uses
In 1990, US president George H. W. Bush described the initiation of the Gulf War as drawing "a line in the sand".
In 1997, American progressive metal band Dream Theater released a song named "Lines in the Sand" on their album Falling into Infinity.
In 2003, British rock band Motörhead released a song named "Evolution ", which was used as entrance music by WWE wrestling stable Evolution.
