meaning of "below my line"

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donghongzi

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Jan 10, 2022
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Chinese
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China
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China
I've checked the cambridge and collins dictionary the definitions of the phrase "below the line" but I don't think any of them fit the meaning in the context that I'm looking for.
I think the meaning "below my line" he used there is a nicer way of saying "it's none of my business", am I right?
 
I think you are not exactly correct. His "line" is his threshhold of things he cares about. To him, the plight of the Uighurs in China fails to be important or interesting emough to merit his attention.

Please note, I am saying nothing either way about the merits of his views. We are here to discuss language, not politics.
 
so...is it true that there's currently no accurate definition for this phrase in this particular context? what are some other ways to say the same thing? or to explain it? "threshold of things that someone cares about?"
 
No, below my line isn't an expression, which is why you can't find it in a dictionary. probus has explained what the speaker means in post #2.
 
It is one speaker using some words- that doesn't make it a standard phrase. He means that it doesn't meet a sufficient level to concern him. The Rohingya refugee crisis is one of the biggest refugee issues today, but not many governments or people are very bothered about it. Previous refugee crises have attracted far more attention and concern. He feels the same about the Uighurs.
 
so...is it true that there's currently no accurate definition for this phrase in this particular context? what are some other ways to say the same thing? or to explain it? "threshold of things that someone cares about?"

We sometimes say that something is "not on my/his/her radar". That can mean the same thing or it may mean simply that they have not yet noticed the thing.
 
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