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toe the line

To abide by the rules or conventions.

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

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Submitted on September 01, 2009

Additional definitions for 'toe the line':

Toe the LineDo what you actually are supposed to do; obeying all the rules and regulations; one shouldn’t be disagreeing
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pisar la linea

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to toe the line

yellow lineSwallow Hook, Line and Sinkerout of lineon the linetoe-to-toetoe-to-toetoe jamthe line is busypunch line (of a joke)toe-to-toetoe the markline uptoe-to-toewalk the line

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