be on the top line —(coll.) be in the highest state of perfection, readiness, etc.:
- It cannot be but harmful to the patient to be attended by a doctor who through sheer exhaustion is not on the top line.
sweat on the top-line —(sl.) be close to attaining or obtaining smth.:
- Here was I sort of sweating on the top line, and I finally got the offer about two days before my time at British Steel expired.