State line?

As a detective tasked with deciphering the elusive crossword clue “State line,” I applied a tenacious and curious mind to unraveling the mystery. Faced with the ambiguity of the term “state,” I first considered geopolitical boundaries, and I pondered whether a three-letter answer could really capture such a complex concept. Realizing that the term could also pertain to a way of being or a guiding principle, I shifted my focus to idioms and expressions that might fit the bill. Soon, I landed upon the word “motto,” a concise phrase that often captures the essence of a state’s identity or values. From “Live Free or Die” in New Hampshire to “Don’t Mess with Texas,” state mottos offer a shorthand for encapsulating pride, history, and culture. I felt a sense of satisfaction as I wrote in the answer and moved one step closer to cracking the case.