lifeline

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

life·line [lifeline lifelines] BrE [ˈlaɪflaɪn] NAmE [ˈlaɪflaɪn] noun
1. a line or rope thrown to rescue sb who is in difficulty in the water
2. a line attached to sb who goes deep under the sea
3. something that is very important for sb and that they depend on
•The extra payments are a lifeline for most single mothers.

Example Bank:
•He clung to the lifeline and the woman pulled him towards the bank.
•He threw me a lifeline when he offered me a job.
•The organization provides a real lifeline for many women in poverty.
•The state pension is their financial lifeline.
•Visits from loved ones are a vital lifeline for prisoners.
•While my mother was ill, talking to Sheila became a lifeline for me.
•With this one unexpected victory, the club now has a lifeline.