toeing the line
Following the rules
Toeing the line means conforming to rules, standards, or expectations—doing what's required without deviation.
The image is of people standing with toes precisely at a marked line, as in a race or military formation.
New employees quickly learn to toe the line.
Often misspelled "towing the line," which suggests a different (incorrect) image of pulling.
- obeyingFollowing directives given
- complyingFollowing rules or requests
- conformingMeeting accepted standards
- conventionalityAdherence to accepted customs
- followingComing after another
acquiescence · alignment · precision · adherence · societal norms · obedience · yes man · authority · control · marching orders · expectation · discipline · regimen · hierarchy · submission · company man · tightrope · routine
- conformityconformity, conforming, conform, conformist, conformism
- herd behaviorherd mentality, bandwagon effect, conformism, peer pressure, following the crowd
- party politicspolitical party, party, parties, party member, party system
toeing the linerebelling
Resisting established authority
breaking the rules · insubordination · stepping out of line · bucking the system · acting out
toeing the linenonconformity
Rejection of prevailing norms
going one's own way · doing one's own thing · coloring outside the lines · individualism · questioning authority
toeing the linepushing the envelope
Challenging established limits
rocking the boat · stirring the pot · making waves · crossing the line · overstepping bounds
toeing, line, lines, lined, lining, liner, liners, lineage, lineal