hotline

Related to hotline: Hotwire, Hotmail

hotline

1. A telecommunications link, especially a telephone line, that provides fast, direct access to a source of information, confidential assistance, or emergency aid. We've set up a hotline for any potential witnesses to come forward with information about the incident.
2. A direct and immediate line of communication between the heads of different governments, used especially for or during an international crisis. The hotline between the U.S. and Canada has been in constant use after the terrorist attack at the border of the two countries.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hot line

A telephone line that gives quick and direct access to a source of information or help. For example, Our state has an AIDS hot line in every county. This term was originally (and is still) used for a direct link between heads of government for use during a crisis, but was quickly extended to wider applications. [1950s]
See also: hot, line
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a ˈhot line (to somebody)

a special telephone line to an important person, such as a president, etc. which is used in emergencies: The President of the United States spoke on the hot line with the Prime Minister about the crisis.
See also: hot, line
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a hot line
  • hot line
  • a helping hand
  • Can you keep a secret?
  • Could you keep a secret?
  • swift and sure
  • outed
  • link farm
  • bird of (one's) own brain
  • link up
References in periodicals archive
Several veterinary colleges offer pet loss support hotlines for grieving pet owners.
'Free Hotline 911 calls from PLDT and its mobile network companies is a welcome development and a great service to our fellow Filipinos,' Ano said, adding that he hopes other telecommunications companies would follow suit.
Free Hotline 911 calls from PLDT and its other mobile network companies is a welcome development and a great service to our fellow Filipinos.
We are pleased to announce thatGoygol Regional Children Hotline servicewhich partially started its operation in March 2018, was officially launched on June 13.
"We have seen a drastic reduction, at least by 40pc, in the number of people gathering at the health centres after the hotline was introduced.
In addition to students, the support hotline also targets individuals directly connected with them, who might wish to support them in issues they are facing, like parents, siblings, and teachers.
As safe and ethical behavior increases through the use of a hotline, so does employee satisfaction.
A hotline demonstrates employees' best interests are important to management, stopping problems that can lead to the departure of skilled talent.
"The not-so-obvious benefit has been the boost in their confidence levels that access to these online learning materials has given our INHOPE Hotline Analysts.
The Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Fraud Hotline allows people in member organizations to submit anonymous, confidential reports 24 hours a day using a secure website form or a toll-free voicemail number, according to Sollievo.
According to initial reports, the ACB had clamped down on Hotline Miami as it was deemed to come under the category of games containing instances of drug abuse, sex, crime, cruelty, violence, and other "revolting or abhorrent phenomena".
Fleischmann's Yeast Baker Hotline, 1-800-777-4959, 7 a.m.
"The Safety Violations Hotline Program is a bilingual, 24-hour, toll-free telephone line for employees to report unsafe working conditions," according to the website of the Division of Workers' Compensation.
In late January, the Tennessee Department of Health launched a statewide breastfeeding hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
LAUDERDALE BRANCH of The Florida Bar volunteered for the Legal Advice Telephone Hotline throughout the month of December.