- toe the line
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To abide by the rules or conventions.
Television shows these days do not always toe the line of decency and common sense.
See Also: walk the line
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toe the line
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Toe the line — is an idiomatic expression with disputed origins. It is often equated to toe the mark, which has the same meaning: to conform to a rule or a standard. One documented origin of the phrase is as an athletics analogy that originated in the early… … Wikipedia
toe the line — or[toe the mark] {v. phr.} To be very careful to do just what you are supposed to do; obey the rules and do your duties. * /The new teacher will make Joe toe the line./ * /Bill s father is strict with him and he has to toe the mark./ Compare:… … Dictionary of American idioms
toe the line — or[toe the mark] {v. phr.} To be very careful to do just what you are supposed to do; obey the rules and do your duties. * /The new teacher will make Joe toe the line./ * /Bill s father is strict with him and he has to toe the mark./ Compare:… … Dictionary of American idioms
toe the line — Ⅰ. toe the line INFORMAL ► to do what you are expected or ordered to do: »Companies are expected to toe the line and follow EU regulations. Main Entry: ↑toe Ⅱ. toe the line (US also … Financial and business terms
toe\ the\ line — • toe the line • toe the mark v. phr. To be very careful to do just what you are supposed to do; obey the rules and do your duties. The new teacher will make Joe toe the line. Bill s father is strict with him and he has to toe the mark. Compare:… … Словарь американских идиом
toe the line — toe/tow the line to do what you are ordered or expected to do. He might not like the rules but he ll toe the line just to avoid trouble. Ministers who refused to toe the Party line were swiftly got rid of … New idioms dictionary
toe the line — If someone toes the line, they follow and respect the rules and regulations … The small dictionary of idiomes
toe the line — ► toe the line comply with authority. Main Entry: ↑toe … English terms dictionary
toe the line — the choice is yours: toe the line or pack your bags Syn: conform, obey the rules, observe the rules, comply with the rules, abide by the rules, follow the rules; informal play by the rules … Thesaurus of popular words
toe the line — verb do what is expected (Freq. 2) • Hypernyms: ↑comply, ↑follow, ↑abide by • Verb Frames: Somebody s * * * CONFORM, obey/observe the rules, comply with the rules, abide by the rules. → line * * * … Useful english dictionary
toe the line — If someone toes the line, they follow and respect the rules and regulations. (Dorking School Dictionary) *** If someone toes the line, they obey the rules and accept the principles laid down by a person, group or organization. If… … English Idioms & idiomatic expressions
