what line are you in?

[optimistic pessimist]

Hi all,

Do you say, "What line are you in?" or "What line of work are you in?" when you ask someone their occupation?

I found this expression in an English phrasebook published in Japan, so I'm not sure if it is still used.


OP

 

[GoesStation]

It's quite old fashioned in American English. I can't remember ever hearing someone use the expression.

 

[Yankee]

Hi all,

Do you say, "What line are you in?" (This would be OK if the conversation had already been concerning work or career.) or "What line of work are you in?" (This would used/heard whether or not the conversation had already discussed occupation) when you ask someone their occupation?

I found this expression in an English phrasebook published in Japan, so I'm not sure if it is still used.




OP

See response above.