
Toe the line
WordNet
verb
(1) Do what is expected
WiktionaryText
Verb
toe the line
- 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.