PhrasesHub

Toe the line

    Definitions

      • comply with rules or standards
        Follow the rules or guidelines and behave in a way that is expected or required

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

    Examples of Toe the line

    • The new CEO has made it clear that all employees must toe the line and follow the company's strict policies, or face consequences.

      In this example, "toe the line" means to strictly adhere to a set of rules or requirements. The CEO is conveying that all employees must conform to the company's policies to avoid facing repercussions.

    • As a member of the government, I am expected to toe the party line and support the decisions made by majority vote, regardless of my personal beliefs.

      "Toe the party line" means to align oneself with the principles and policies of a political party. In this example, the speaker is illustrating the expectation that, as a member of the government, they are expected to adhere to the party's ideology and decisions, even if they do not personally agree with everything.

    • After stumbling in his first few games, the rookie player realized he needed to toe the line and improve his performance if he wanted to stay in the league.

      In this example, "toe the line" means to perform at a certain level or standard, especially in order to continue being a part of an organization or competition. The rookie player realized that if he wanted to remain in the league, he needed to improve his game and meet the standard or requirement set by the league.

    • The athletes are expected to toe the line during the pre-game ceremony, showing respect for the national anthem and flag.

      In this example, "toe the line" means to perform a specific action or behavior as expected or required. The athletes are expected to demonstrate respect for the national anthem and flag by standing still and showing reverence during the pre-game ceremony.

    • The new manager demanded that all the employees toe the line and follow the company's policies and procedures strictly.

      This idiom is used when someone is expected to adhere to certain rules, guidelines, or expectations. In this example, the manager is urging the employees to conform to the company's expectations to avoid any issues or discrepancies. The phrase "toe the line" literarily means to stand with the heels (toes) in a straight line, but figuratively, it implies to conform and follow rules.

    • The authorities strictly enforced the curfew during the emergency period, and everyone was asked to toe the line.

      In this example, during an emergency situation, the authorities implemented strict curfew rules to ensure safety. By asking individuals to "toe the line," they are indicating that they expect everyone to follow the rules and restrictions set by the authorities during the emergency period.

    • The athlete was disqualified from the competition for not toeing the line during the race.

      Here, the athlete violated a specific rule, which resulted in disqualification. The phrase "toe the line" refers to following the rules, including technical aspects during sporting events. In this example, the athlete might have crossed the finish line outside the defined area, and as a result, disqualified.

    • The agent warned the client that they would have to toe the line if they wanted to pursue their dreams.

      This example implies that to achieve a particular goal or dream, one needs to follow the rules and guidelines. The agent is informing the client that they will need to conform to specific circumstances to succeed in their endeavors. The phrase "toe the line" indicates that following the rules and guidelines will lead to success, irrespective of the situation's difficulty.


    Conclusion

    "Toe the line" can mean either following rules or standards, or discouraging someone from engaging in a particular activity. When used in the sense of compliance, it means to adhere to the expectations or guidelines. In the context of discouragement, it advises against pursuing a certain task or activity due to lack of positive outcome.

    Origin of "Toe the line"

    The origin of the idiom "toe the line" comes from the practice of lining up for a race. In track and field events, runners must place their toes on the starting line to ensure a fair and equal start. "Toe the line" evolved from this literal meaning to represent following rules or standards. Over time, it has also been used to caution against certain actions, possibly stemming from the idea of not stepping over the line or boundary. This idiom has become a common phrase in English to convey the idea of compliance or caution.

    Examples of its usage can be found in literature and everyday conversations, further solidifying its place in the English language. Overall, "toe the line" has a clear and tangible origin related to the physical act of lining up for a race, and has since expanded to encompass broader meanings in everyday speech.