Verb

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.