[Idiom] JUMP THE LINE. - Understanding Queue Etiquette: Skipping Ahead
Jump the line.
to skip ahead in a queue unfairly
The idiom 'jump the line' paints a vivid picture of someone leaping over a queue, bypassing everyone who has been waiting their turn. While no actual jumping is involved, this phrase metaphorically refers to the act of skipping ahead in line without following the usual process or order. It's commonly used in scenarios where someone gains an advantage at the expense of others who have been patiently waiting. For instance, imagine you're waiting to buy tickets to a concert and someone walks in and goes straight to the front, disregarding everyone else. They just 'jumped the line,' showing a lack of regard for fairness and the informal rules that society follows. This can cause frustration and anger among those who feel the line-jumper has behaved wrongly.
Example Sentences
He jumped the line at the event.
He cut in front of everyone else waiting at the event.
It's unfair to jump the line when others are waiting too.
It's unfair to skip the sequence and go ahead of others who are also waiting.
By paying extra, he managed to jump the line and avoid the wait.
By paying extra, he was able to bypass the regular waiting line.