Toe the line
phrase
Follow the rules or the standard way of doing things.
If you want to stay on this team, you have to toe the line.
Often appears as...
- toe the party line
- fail to toe the line
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Stand on a starting point in a race.
The runners are toeing the line, waiting for the whistle.
Often appears as...
- runners toe the line
- toe the starting line
phrase
Follow the rules or the standard way of doing things.
If you want to stay on this team, you have to toe the line.
Often appears as...
- toe the party line
- fail to toe the line
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Stand on a starting point in a race.
The runners are toeing the line, waiting for the whistle.
Often appears as...
- runners toe the line
- toe the starting line
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Used when authority expects obedience, often in workplace or military.
The soldiers were reminded to toe the line or face consequences.
Pro Tip 2/3Group Pressure
Indicates peer pressure to conform within a group or society.
Teenagers often feel they have to toe the line to fit in with friends.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Context
May imply suppression of personal freedom in certain cultures.
In that company, employees often have to toe the line.
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Used when authority expects obedience, often in workplace or military.
The soldiers were reminded to toe the line or face consequences.
Pro Tip 2/3Group Pressure
Indicates peer pressure to conform within a group or society.
Teenagers often feel they have to toe the line to fit in with friends.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Context
May imply suppression of personal freedom in certain cultures.
In that company, employees often have to toe the line.
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Used when authority expects obedience, often in workplace or military.
The soldiers were reminded to toe the line or face consequences.
Pro Tip 2/3Group Pressure
Indicates peer pressure to conform within a group or society.
Teenagers often feel they have to toe the line to fit in with friends.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Context
May imply suppression of personal freedom in certain cultures.
In that company, employees often have to toe the line.
Never forget "Toe the line"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension