toes the mark
Obeys the standard
Toes the mark means to conform to rules or standards, to behave as expected or required.
The image is of someone standing with toes precisely at a line—ready, obedient, in position: New employees quickly learn to toe the mark around here.
Sometimes appears as toe the line, with the same meaning.
- toe the lineAdhere to standards
- lineContinuous mark or queue
- starting lineRace's initial position
- get setPrepare to begin
- complianceAdhering to requirements
adherence · discipline · accountability · conformity · obedience · follow orders · acquiescence · responsibility · start · observance · crouch · regulation · protocol · submission · stance · duty · race · chalk
toes the markrebels
Armed opposition fighters
breaks the rules · steps out of line · disobeys · goes rogue · rocks the boat
toes the markslacks off
Reduces effort deliberately
cuts corners · drops the ball · falls short · underperforms · coasts
toes the markacts out
Performs or misbehaves
misbehaves · slacks off · shirks · runs wild · lets loose
toes, toed, toeing, mark, marks, marked, marking, marker, markers