toes the line
Follows the rules
Toes the line means to conform to rules or expectations, to behave as required by authority.
The image is of standing with toes precisely at a marked line—not stepping over it.
Often misspelled "tow the line," but the original involves positioning feet, not pulling rope: New employees quickly learn to toe the line.
The phrase implies compliance rather than enthusiasm.
- followsComes after another
- obeysFollows commands given
- conformsMatches expected standards
- goes alongAccepts or cooperates
- falls into placeArranges itself naturally
acquiescence · yes man · adherence · insubordination · compliance · discipline · enforcement · submission · bites tongue · alignment · obedience · command · rebellion · dissent · mandate · defiance · regulation · protest
toes the linerebels
Armed opposition fighters
breaks the rules · disobeys · steps out of line · goes rogue · acts out
toes the lineinsubordinate
Defying rightful authority
disobedient · unruly · defiant · willful · recalcitrant
toes the linenonconformist
Rejects prevailing social standards
maverick · free spirit · iconoclast · renegade · dissident
toes, toed, toeing, line, lines, lined, lining, liner, lineal