expression, godan verb (-ku)
Used when someone voluntarily steps back from a position, role, or active involvement, often in a formal or organizational context. Conveys a sense of yielding or making way.
会長は高齢を理由に一線を退くことを決めた。
The chairman decided to step back from the front line due to his advanced age.
彼は経営の第一線から一線を退いた。
He retired from the front line of management.