have a line, drill like crazy, come up with nothing

[kjc0123]

What is the meaning of "have a line", "drill like crazy", "come up with nothing" in the following sentences?

"He was this nice-looking guy, nine years younger, you know�" 
"I remember it well. A regular scandal." 
"He was fifty-one years old, a smooth talker, had a line about making money in oil. We drilled like crazy for four years and I came up with nothing." 

[Gooner_Badge]

"had a line about making money" - a con/scheme to earn quick money.

"Drilled like crazy and came up with nothing" -- searched for oil but found none.

[jno]

to 'have a line' or to spin a line is to tell a story, possibly an untrue one.

to do anything 'like crazy' is to do it very hard (as if you were crazy).

'came up with nothing' means 'searched but found nothing'.

[Kingaroo]

A "line" is sometimes now called a "pickup line" when used in singles bars. Rather like a line of script, it is an "opening line" that you use to introduce yourself to someone. Tired old "lines" include "What's your sign?" (meaning astrological sign, to see if we're compatible.) Some lines are outrageously flattering and often humorous.

Someone who is running a "con" (confidence game -- way of tricking people out of their money) -- would also have a "line", meaning a standard approach or story that he hopes will convince his "mark" (intented victim) that he has a legitimate business prospect.

Common to both of these is the implication that the person is not sincere.