draw a line in the sand

Verb

Meaning

(intransitive) To lay down a challenge; to provide a test of commitment (often one which carries a high risk) to a cause.

To create a real or artificial boundary or distinction between (two places, people or things).

To indicate the threshold or level above which something will become unacceptable or will provoke a response; to create a boundary and imply or declare that its crossing will provoke a (negative) response.

Examples

Judy Miller is the most innocent person in this case. I really thought that was outrageous that she was jailed and we needed as journalists to draw a line in the sand in a strong but thoughtful way. Tom Brokaw

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