Meaning
The term the thin red line was first coined in the 19th century from an expression used by William Russell the Times correspondent during the Crimean war. He used the expression " thin red streak tipped with a line of steel" which was popularised into "the thin red line". It has come to mean in general terms a thinly spread military force holding back the enemy.
The Thin Blue Line is a 20th century adaption of the expression and represents police officers. Traditionally, the police were dressed in blue. This line represents that the police are the only thing standing between peace and law-abiding citizens and total anarchy. It is a very thin blue line. Origins William Russell was referring to the 93rd (Sutherland Highland) Regiment withstanding the charge of the Russian cavalry at Balaclava defending the British camp. They were the only unit standing between 2,500 Russian cavalry (although not all of these were involved in the charge) and the unprepared camp. The tactics of the time for the British Army had the infantry stand four deep to present a rolling volley by line. To receive a cavalry charge they would form into a square to protect themselves as the cavalry charge would easily break a line of infantry. Colonel Colin Campbell was so contemptuous of the Russian Cavalry's capability he deployed his men into only two lines not four to cover more ground, protect the camp and present more firepower per volley. He did not form a square. The 93rd fired three volleys causing large casualties to the charging Russian hussars and cossacks and they withdrew. The Regiment had to be restrained from following them in a counter attack by him "93rd, damn all that eagerness!". Development
The expressions about the thin red line was later adapted to cover the British Army defending the Empire and it has also been kept alive in the media - The thin red line are 1964 & 1998 Hollywood films based on James Jones's 1962 book about WWII at Guadalcanal (where he served). The original Balaclava battle has been commemorated in music as well in a well known Piping tune and even a modern metal bands song. The thin blue line was a Ben Elton British TV comedy series about the Police with Rowan Atkinson (1995) and the title of several documentaries.
Other uses
In modern times the thin red line expression has been also been taken up by the firefighting community especially in the USA where similar to the police idea it represents a thin line of fireman protecting the population.
'The Thin Blue Line' refers to police officers and the role they play in maintaining order and upholding the law. 'The Thin Red Line' typically refers to firefighters and their role in combating fires and saving lives. Both phrases symbolize the courage, dedication, and sacrifices made by these groups in their respective duties.
Transform "skater" into the word "strake."
"Behind Enemy Lines" - A 2001 action war film. "The Thin Red Line" - A 1998 war film directed by Terrence Malick. "The End of the Line" - A 2007 documentary about overfishing.
Delgadillo is a Spanish surname meaning "thin" or "slender." It is derived from the Spanish word "delgado," which translates to "thin" in English.
You may say 'hosoi,' written in Japanese as: 細い
A twig is a small, thin branch or stem of a tree or plant. It is typically flexible and has smaller branches growing from it. Twigs are often used in crafts or as kindling for fires.
The duration of The Thin Blue Line - film - is 1.72 hours.
The Thin Blue Line - film - was created on 1988-08-25.
The Thin Blue Line is a documentary that was released in 1988. The movie starred Randall Adams, David Harris and Gus Rose. Thin Blue Line was directed by Errol Morris.
The cast of The Thin Blue Line - 1958 includes: Jack Curran as Narrator
The cast of The Thin Blue Line - 1966 includes: Van Heflin as Narrator
The Thin Blue Line - 1966 TV was released on: USA: 3 September 1966
This line is an emblem that has been used to show support for police officers. It is still used today.
The Thin Blue Line - 1995 is rated/received certificates of: Australia:PG Singapore:PG UK:15 (video rating)
The phrase the thin black line means having the ability to balance two different ideas or groups. The phrase the thin black line is an idiom.
The Thin Blue Line - 1995 Kids Today 1-6 is rated/received certificates of: Australia:M
Hellmanns
Wonders of the Solar System - 2010 The Thin Blue Line 1-3 is rated/received certificates of: Netherlands:AL