# sign on the dotted line

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/sign-on-the-dotted-line
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To formalize an agreement.

## Examples

- You must sign on the dotted line to finish the deal.
- Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you read all the terms of the contract carefully.
- After months of difficult negotiations, the company representatives finally met to sign on the dotted line and finalize the merger.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.