toe the line

toe the line
verb
do what is expected (Freq. 2)
• Hypernyms: ↑comply, ↑follow, ↑abide by
• Verb Frames:
-

Somebody ——s

* * *

CONFORM, obey/observe the rules, comply with the rules, abide by the rules.
→ line

* * *

phrasal
1. : to touch with the toes only in standing a line indicating a starting point (as in a race or match)
2.
a. or toe a line : to act or conform rigorously to some rule or standard

toe a party line without protest

b. : to accept one's responsibilities or stand to one's obligations

* * *

toe the line see under ↑toe
• • •
Main Entry: ↑line
————————
toe the line
1. To stand with toes against a marked line, eg when starting a race
2. To conform
• • •
Main Entry: ↑toe

* * *

toe the line phrase
to accept rules and to obey people in authority

Members of the party have to toe the line or they’re expelled.

Thesaurus: to obey a law or rule, or to accept someone's authoritysynonym obedience and cooperationhyponym
Main entry: toe

* * *

accept the authority, principles, or policies of a particular group, esp. under pressure
Origin:
from the literal sense ‘stand with the tips of the toes exactly touching a line’

* * *

toe the line — see ↑toe, 2
• • •
Main Entry: ↑line
————————
toe the line
: to do what you are told or required to do even though you do not want to do it

We expect you to toe the line if you want to stay here.

He has to toe the company line to keep his job.

• • •
Main Entry: ↑toe

* * *

toe the ˈline idiom
(NAmE also toe the ˈmark) to say or do what sb in authority tells you to say or do, even if you do not share the same opinions, etc

•

One or two of them refused to toe the line.

•

to toe the party line

Main entry: ↑toeidiom

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Toe the line — is an idiomatic expression with disputed origins. It is often equated to toe the mark, which has the same meaning: to conform to a rule or a standard. One documented origin of the phrase is as an athletics analogy that originated in the early… …   Wikipedia

  • toe the line — or[toe the mark] {v. phr.} To be very careful to do just what you are supposed to do; obey the rules and do your duties. * /The new teacher will make Joe toe the line./ * /Bill s father is strict with him and he has to toe the mark./ Compare:… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • toe the line — or[toe the mark] {v. phr.} To be very careful to do just what you are supposed to do; obey the rules and do your duties. * /The new teacher will make Joe toe the line./ * /Bill s father is strict with him and he has to toe the mark./ Compare:… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • toe the line — Ⅰ. toe the line INFORMAL ► to do what you are expected or ordered to do: »Companies are expected to toe the line and follow EU regulations. Main Entry: ↑toe Ⅱ. toe the line (US also …   Financial and business terms

  • toe\ the\ line — • toe the line • toe the mark v. phr. To be very careful to do just what you are supposed to do; obey the rules and do your duties. The new teacher will make Joe toe the line. Bill s father is strict with him and he has to toe the mark. Compare:… …   Словарь американских идиом

  • toe the line — toe/tow the line to do what you are ordered or expected to do. He might not like the rules but he ll toe the line just to avoid trouble. Ministers who refused to toe the Party line were swiftly got rid of …   New idioms dictionary

  • toe the line — If someone toes the line, they follow and respect the rules and regulations …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • toe the line — ► toe the line comply with authority. Main Entry: ↑toe …   English terms dictionary

  • toe the line — the choice is yours: toe the line or pack your bags Syn: conform, obey the rules, observe the rules, comply with the rules, abide by the rules, follow the rules; informal play by the rules …   Thesaurus of popular words

  • toe the line —    If someone toes the line, they follow and respect the rules and regulations.   (Dorking School Dictionary)    ***    If someone toes the line, they obey the rules and accept the principles laid down by a person, group or organization.     If… …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

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