Idiom
Toe the line
To toe the line is to follow the rules or do what a group or person in charge expects, even if you don't fully agree.
How people use it
It is often used about workers, team members or students who are expected to obey: The new manager made everyone toe the line. You might also hear toe the company line or toe the party line, which mean repeating or supporting an official view. The tone can be neutral or slightly critical, suggesting pressure to conform. A very common mistake is writing tow the line; the phrase is about toes, not towing a boat or car.
Also said: toe the company line.
Examples
- After the second warning, Sam started to toe the line and arrived on time every morning.
- The coach expects every player to toe the line, even the stars.
- Ana refused to toe the company line when customers asked about the delays.
Where it comes from
The phrase pictures people standing with their toes touching a marked line, as runners did at the start of a race or as sailors and soldiers did when lining up for inspection. Standing exactly on the line meant you were in your place and following orders. It was in use by the early 1800s.
Check yourself
1. What does it mean if a principal tells students to toe the line?
Answer: Follow the rules. Toe the line means obey the rules or expectations.
2. Which spelling is correct?
Answer: toe the line. The phrase comes from placing your toes on a line, so it is spelled toe.
Similar idioms
Word game fan? See every word hiding in TOE.