to toe the
1Toe 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… …
2toe 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:… …
3toe 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:… …
4toe 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 …
5toe\ 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:… …
6toe\ the\ mark — • 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:… …
7toe 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 …
8toe the line — ► toe the line comply with authority. Main Entry: ↑toe …
9toe 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 …
10toe the line — If someone toes the line, they follow and respect the rules and regulations …