toe the line

toe/tow the line

to do what you are ordered or expected to do He might not like the rules but he'll toe the line just to avoid trouble. Ministers who refused to toe the Party line were swiftly got rid of.

See take the line of least resistance, cross the line, draw a line under, draw the line, draw the line at, drop a line, fall in line, feed a line, lay it on the line, step out of line

See also: line, toe

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toe the line

to do what you are ordered or expected to do Not everyone was happy with the plan, but most of us toed the line.

Usage notes: sometimes used with a noun describing whose orders are being followed: They promised to toe the party line and vote with the leadership.

See also: line, toe