hot line

noun

a direct telecommunications link, as a telephone line or Teletype circuit, enabling immediate communication between heads of state in an international crisis:

the hot line between Washington and Moscow.

a telephone service enabling people to talk confidentially with someone about a personal problem or crisis.

a telephone line providing customers or clients with direct access to a company or professional service.

Also, hotline.

Origin

1950-55

Examples from the web for hot line

She organized an anti-Landmark hot line and publications clearinghouse.
The president urged those homeowners distressed by rising mortgage payments to call a federal hot line for advice.
The two countries agreed to open a hot line between the two prime ministers and schedule regular visits between top leaders.

Slang definitions & phrases for hot line

hot line

n phr,n

An emergency telephone line or number: Clearly, hot lines are no cure for the complex, overall problem of drug abuse/ a community ''hot line'' to head off gang wars

[mid-1950s+; popularized by the telephone line between the White House and the Kremlin]

Idioms and Phrases with hot line

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 ]