There's a fine line between

Posted by Lewis on September 21, 2004

In Reply to: Fine lines posted by Henry on September 21, 2004

: : : I was hoping that somebody might have the meaning and origin of the phrase, 'There's a fine line'

: : 'There's a fine line between...' means that the two things mentioned are very close. For example, there's a fine line between genius and madness, or love and hate.

: : Not much (i.e it is a fine line - as in a thin boundary) lies between them.

: These fine lines may be the origin of the phrase, or at least the source of its popularity.

: Great wits are sure to madness near alli'd
: And thin partitions do their bounds divide.

: John Dryden 1631-1700 in Alexander's Feast 1.163

"genius and stupidity"? ask David St Hubbins and Spinal Tap.