Toe the line
WordNet

verb


(1)   Do what is expected
WiktionaryText

Verb


toe the line
  1. To abide by the rules or conventions.
    Television shows these days do not always toe the line of decency and common sense.

Usage notes

  • In modern usage, this is sometimes carelessly written . This practice probably originated with people who heard the expression but were not familiar with the original spelling or meaning. With the spelling the expression naturally takes on a slightly more active meaning: not simply conforming to the rules, but helping to enforce or confirm them.
 
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