toeing

Pushing with digits

Toeing is using the toe to do something—typically to touch, nudge, or test: She stood toeing the edge of the pool.

To toe the line is to conform to rules or expectations, from the practice of runners placing their toes at a starting mark.

He's been toeing the company line since his promotion.

line

conformity

Adherence to norms

adherenceFaithful following of something
complianceAdhering to requirements
alignmentCorrect relative positioning

obedience · observance · following · discipline · protocol · orthodoxy · uniformity · consistency · accordance · propriety

precision

accuracy

Degree of correctness

positioningArranging in specific locations
placementPutting somewhere specific
exactnessCorrectness in every detail

alignment · calibration · adjustment · balance · measurement · contact · touch · edge · boundary · threshold

dance

pointe

Ballet's tiptoe technique

balletClassical dance on pointe
pirouetteBallet turn on one foot
relevéRising onto ball-of-foot

demi-pointe · turnout · arabesque · extension · barre · footwork · positioning · stance · technique · form

walking

stepping

Moving on foot

treadingWalking on a surface
touchingEvoking gentle emotion
nudgingLight push to prompt

prodding · kicking · pushing · tapping · feeling · probing · testing · footwork · stance · balance

stealth

creeping

Moving slowly, stealthily

sneakingMoving to avoid detection
silentProducing no sound
furtiveSecretive and sly

quiet · careful · cautious · padding · softly · gingerly · stealthy · surreptitious · light-footed · noiseless

Opposites

conformity/compliance

Actively refusing obedience

rebelling · disobeying · resisting · bucking · flouting

foot action/contact type

Striking with foot

stomping · booting · punting · stamping · trampling

Phrases

toeing the lineAdhering to expectations
toeing the markAdhering to requirements

Family

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G