fault line
fault line — noun
1. a line on the ground where the Earth's rocky outer shell has split, allowing the
a line on the ground where the Earth's rocky outer shell has split, allowing the two edges to slide past each other and often causing earthquakes
Haruto pointed to the fault line on the map near the coast.
The old road was damaged because it crossed an active fault line.
collocation: active fault line
Scientists warned families living near the fault line about the risk of earthquakes.
The fault line runs for hundreds of kilometres beneath the mountain range.
New houses cannot be built within one hundred metres of the fault line.
用法筆記
Subject of the sentence is often a geological feature (mountain range, valley, coastline) that the fault line runs through or beneath.
常見錯誤
2. a hidden problem or difference of opinion within a group or system that could ca
a hidden problem or difference of opinion within a group or system that could cause serious trouble if it is not dealt with
A fault line between the two political parties created constant arguments.
collocation: fault line + between [groups]
Greta could sense a fault line forming among her old friends.
The fault line between management and staff had existed for years before it was discussed.
A deep fault line within the organisation suddenly became clear to everyone.
Liam tried to build bridges across the fault line between the two departments.
用法筆記
Often appears with prepositions 'between' (two groups) or 'within' (a single group or system). Frequently modified by adjectives such as 'deep', 'growing', or 'political'.
常見錯誤
3. a clear division or separation between groups of people who hold very different
a clear division or separation between groups of people who hold very different views, beliefs, or ways of life
The war created a deep fault line between the two communities.
collocation: created a deep fault line
Economic differences have become a major fault line in modern society.
A fault line opened up between older and younger members of the church.
The election revealed a fault line that divided the nation between cities and the countryside.
Naoko watched as a fault line emerged between her colleagues over the new policy.
- common ground
shared beliefs that bridge a social division
用法筆記
Unlike sense 2 (HIDDEN PROBLEM), this sense describes an already visible split rather than a problem still lurking below the surface. Common in political and social commentary.