THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Toe the line
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Follow the rules, instructions or expectations set for you.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The fictional manager expected every employee to toe the line without question.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The fictional manager expected every employee to ________ without question.
Show the answer
Toe the line — Follow the rules, instructions or expectations set for you.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Toe the line” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Follow the rules, instructions or expectations set for you.
Compare: The fictional manager expected every employee to toe the line without question.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
When to use it
Use this expression about conforming to an organisation’s expectations. It can sound critical of strict control or describe pressure to obey.
More examples in context
- The coach made it clear that players had to toe the line on punctuality.
- She grew tired of toeing the line when she thought the process needed changing.
Usage note
Spell the verb “toe”, not “tow”. The forms are “toed” and “toeing”. Following expectations does not necessarily mean agreeing with them.
A short conversation
A: Why did the character leave the committee?
B: He was expected to toe the line rather than question any decision.
A: He wanted a more open discussion, then.
One more practice question
Which spelling is correct for following expected rules?
A. Toe the line.
B. Tow the line.
Check your answer
A. The idiom uses “toe”; “tow” means pull something along.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.