ENGLISH
REFERENCE

toe the line

idiom
Meaning

To abide by the rules or conventions; (politics, in particular) to follow the party line.


Origin

disputed origin

Unknown, with multiple competing etymologies and some theorizing the phrasing originated from the United States and others the United Kingdom.

Examples
SIMPLE

You must toe the line if you want to keep your job.

CONTEXTUAL

The new manager expects everyone to toe the line and follow the company rules strictly.

COMPLEX

Despite his personal reservations about the new policy, the politician decided to toe the line to maintain support within his party.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    blur the line

    To minimize or erode the distinction between two things.

  2. 02

    bottom line

    The summary or result; the most important information.

  3. 03

    bottom of the line

    The worst or lowest quality on the market, especially among a range of products.

  4. 04

    bright line

    A clear distinction in the context of a legal, moral, ethical, or analytical judgment.

  5. 05

    cross the line

    To overstep a boundary, rule, or limit; to go too far or do something unacceptable.

  6. 06

    dip a toe into

    Alternative form of dip one's toe in.

  7. 07

    dip one's toe in

    To explore or begin; to enter or get involved in tentatively and for the first time.

  8. 08

    draw a line

    To delimit a boundary or border.

© 2026 English Reference