toe the line

English

Alternative forms

• toe the mark
• tow the line

Etymology

Most likely derived from putting one's toe to a line, mark, or seam on a naval ship as a form of regimentation or punishment.[1][2]

Pronunciation

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Verb

toe the line

1. (idiomatic) To abide by the rules or conventions.

   Television shows these days do not always toe the line of decency and common sense.

   • 1831, Captain Basil Hall RN, Fragments of Voyages and Travels, reprinted from the London Literary Gazette in The Atheneum, 4th series, volume 1, page 188:

     The matter, therefore, necessarily became rather serious; and the whole gang of us being sent for on the quarter deck, we were ranged in a line, each with his toes at the edge of a plank, according to the orthodox fashion of these gregarious scoldings, technically called ‘toe-the-line matches.’

2. (idiomatic) To stand at one's mark before a footrace.

   Alberto Salazar is one of the most famous athletes to have toed the line at this great race.

Synonyms

• (abide by rules or conventions): walk the line

See also

• fall in line