- The phrase "toe the line" means to conform to rules or standards, or to follow orders and behave according to expectations.
In this sentence, "toe the line" means that employees are required to follow the company's rules and standards without deviation.
When to use "toe the line"
The phrase "toe the line" originates from the practice of athletes positioning their toes at a starting line before a race, indicating readiness and adherence to the rules. Over time, it has evolved to mean conforming to established rules or expectations in various contexts, including workplaces, organizations, and social settings.
When using "toe the line," it implies a sense of compliance and obedience, often under pressure or scrutiny. It can carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation, depending on the context, suggesting that one must adhere to rules even if they are strict or demanding. This phrase is commonly used in formal and informal contexts to emphasize the importance of following guidelines or expectations set by an authority figure or organization.
Contexts for Use:
- Workplace: Emphasizing the importance of adhering to company policies.
- Sports: Highlighting the need for athletes to follow rules and regulations.
- Social behavior: Indicating the expectation to conform to social norms or standards.
Examples from the web
"Young women don’t toe the line." - The Guardian
Example sentences
- The new manager expects everyone to toe the line and follow the new procedures.
- Athletes must toe the line when it comes to doping regulations.
- The politician had to toe the line with the party's official stance on the issue.
- As a member of the military, you are required to toe the line and follow orders.
- To succeed in this organization, you must toe the line and respect the hierarchy.
- Students are expected to toe the line and abide by the school's code of conduct.
- In order to avoid penalties, employees must toe the line with safety protocols.
- She was warned to toe the line or face disciplinary action.
- The coach demanded that all players toe the line during training sessions.
- He struggled to toe the line while maintaining his individuality.
Other ways to say "toe the line"
You can use the following phrases to express a similar meaning:
- Follow the rules
- Abide by the regulations
- Keep in line
- Conform to standards
- Stay in line
In summary, "toe the line" is a phrase used to emphasize the importance of conforming to rules, standards, or expectations. It is often employed in contexts where compliance and adherence to guidelines are crucial. Understanding the implications of this phrase helps in effectively communicating the need for discipline and conformity in various settings.
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