Line

Word linkage. Journalistic device.

"On the line": at risk; idiomatic expression; exposed to danger of failure or loss. (The team is at risk of losing)

(My job is on the line=I am at risk of losing my job)

[linked with]

Offensive line: Technical term in American football, line of persons; a particular section of the team whose task involves forming a line. The offensive line consists of a center, two guards, two tackles and one or two tight ends.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_football_positions

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