toed the line
Followed the rules
Toed the line means conformed to rules or expectations, often reluctantly.
The image is of standing with toes precisely at a marked line—following instructions exactly.
Someone who toed the line did what was required of them: She toed the line at work, even when she disagreed with company policy.
Sometimes misspelled "towed the line."
- compliedFollowed a directive
- heededGave due attention
- obeyedFollowed a directive
- conformedActed according to expectations
- deferenceYielding to another's judgment
acquiescence · yes man · company man · societal norms · submission · self-control · subordination · regimentation · adherence · accountability · peer pressure · obedience · groupthink · toe · alignment · loyalty · dutifully · protocol
toed the linerebelled
Resisted those in charge
defied · disobeyed · stepped out of line · went rogue · resisted
toed the lineran wild
Acted without restraint
acted up · flew off the handle · lost control · ran amok · misbehaved
toed, toes, toeing, line, lines, lined, lining, liner, lineal