line drawn on water

English

Alternative forms

• line drawn in water

Noun

line drawn on water (plural lines drawn on water)

1. (figurative) Something transient or ephemeral.
   • 2009, Prof. Shrikant Prasoon, Indian saints and sages:

     The anger of humble and saintly people is a line drawn on water. It never lasts for long.

2. (figurative) An ill-defined or variable border between concepts or things.
   • 2000, Peter von Bagh, Drifting Shadows: A Guide to the Finnish Cinema, page 39:

     The border between madness and mental balance is a line drawn on water.