falling in line
Joining the ranks
Falling in line is conforming to expectations or following established rules and procedures.
The image is of soldiers arranging themselves in formation—yielding individual position to join an orderly row.
Someone who falls in line accepts authority or agrees to go along with others: After some resistance, the committee members fell in line behind the proposal.
The phrase often carries a hint of reluctant submission.
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- chain of commandFormal authority hierarchy
- obedienceCompliance with authority
- do as toldFollow instructions given
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
follow orders · acquiescence · conformity · social pressure · going along · yes man · persuasion · regulation · compliance · synchronization · marching orders · rank and file · discipline · uniformity · influence · groupthink · follow the crowd · peer pressure
- conformityconformity, conforming, conform, conformist, conformism
falling in linerebelling
Resisting established authority
defying · resisting · disobeying · dissenting · revolting
falling in linedisrupting
Interfering with normal function
scattering · undermining · destabilizing · going rogue · throwing a wrench in
falling in linetaking the reins
Beginning to lead
blazing a trail · calling the shots · pioneering · going one's own way
fall, falling, falls, fallen, faller, fallout, downfall, line, lines