toe the line
To abide by the rules or conventions; (politics, in particular) to follow the party line.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You must toe the line if you want to keep your job.”
“Students who refuse to toe the line often face detention after school.”
“New recruits must toe the line during their first month of basic training.”
“The new manager expects everyone to toe the line and follow the company rules strictly.”
“If you want to stay on the professional sports team, you have to toe the line regarding your diet and training schedule.”
“Even though she disagrees with the dress code, she chooses to toe the line to avoid any unnecessary conflict with her supervisors.”
“Despite his personal reservations about the new policy, the politician decided to toe the line to maintain support within his party.”
The origin of the phrase is unknown, with competing theories dividing the etymology between the United States and the United Kingdom. While the precise circumstances of the first line to be so addressed remain unverified, both nations claim the idiom's inception.
- 01
blur the line
To minimize or erode the distinction between two things.
- 02
bottom line
The summary or result; the most important information.
- 03
bottom of the line
The worst or lowest quality on the market, especially among a range of products.
- 04
bright line
A clear distinction in the context of a legal, moral, ethical, or analytical judgment.
- 05
clear one's lines
To clear the ball away from a dangerous position.
- 06
cock one's toes
To die.
- 07
cross the line
To overstep a boundary, rule, or limit; to go too far or do something unacceptable.
- 08
dip a toe into
Alternative form of dip one's toe in.
Last updated August 10, 2026