Clothesline sag affects the tension experienced by the line when loaded with wet laundry. Greater sag results in less tension on the rope, while minimal sag increases tension, making it more likely to break. An example illustrates that a rope supporting a mass experiences different tension levels based on the degree of sag. A humorous anecdote about a keg tied between windows emphasizes the importance of understanding tension in practical scenarios. Overall, less sag leads to higher tension and a greater risk of breaking the clothesline.