get someone in a line
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To hoax or entrap somebody, so as to get some sport out of them.
Register: archaic, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I am afraid they have got me in a line.* In addition to the rest of my troubles, I find this shifting ships and fitting out messes attended with an enormous expense. […] * A common phrase among the seamen at Bitche, meaning to allure or entice.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “get someone in a line” mean?
To hoax or entrap somebody, so as to get some sport out of them.
Is “get someone in a line” formal or informal?
get someone in a line is generally archaic, slang.