Question

in_the_loop_727 to follow the rules; to do what is expected of one Compare to: straight and narrow

Accepted Answer

TOE THE LINE Mr. Kelly has survived in politics because he toes the line. He follows the policies of the majority and doesn’t try to stand out or be different.The boss didn’t want any trouble from his workers. He told them they had better toe the line or get out. The expression originates from an early form of boxing, in which a line was drawn on the ground and opponents had to keep the toes of one foot on the line during their fight. Any opponent who removed his toes from the line was disqualified from the fight.

Id	in_the_loop_727
Idiom	TOE THE LINE
Definition	to follow the rules; to do what is expected of one
Examples	Mr. Kelly has survived in politics because he toes the line. He follows the policies of the majority and doesn’t try to stand out or be different. The boss didn’t want any trouble from his workers. He told them they had better toe the line or get out.
Cross-Refs	Compare to: straight and narrow
Extra Info	The expression originates from an early form of boxing, in which a line was drawn on the ground and opponents had to keep the toes of one foot on the line during their fight. Any opponent who removed his toes from the line was disqualified from the fight.

Line Toes Fight Loop Follow Rules Expected Mr