toe (redirected from toed the line)

from top to toe

on every part of a person's body. He gazed at her across the room, dressed in black leather from top to toe.

See also: from, top

keep someone on their toes

to force someone to continue giving all their attention and energy to what they are doing. He gave me a couple of extra things to do just to keep me on my toes.

See also: keep

make someone's toes curl (British & Australian)

1. if an experience makes your toes curl, it makes you feel extremely embarrassed and ashamed for someone else. The very thought of what she said makes my toes curl.

(American, American)

2. to frighten or shock someone. A loud scream from the next room made her toes curl.

See also: curl

step/tread on someone's toes

to say or do something which upsets someone, especially by becoming involved in something which is their responsibility. I'd like to make some changes to the working procedures, but I don't want to tread on anyone's toes.

See also: step, tread

toe-curling (British & Australian)

make someone's toes curl - if an experience makes your toes curl, it makes you feel extremely embarrassed and ashamed for someone else. She gave a toe-curling performance on the guitar. (always before noun)

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 also: line, tow

toing and froing

1. going backwards and forwards between places. The job involves a lot of toing and froing between London and New York. (often + between)

2. going from one method, idea, or plan to another in a way that wastes time when you are trying to achieve something. The legal toing and froing will delay payment to Horden of the £10 million due on the contract.

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(from) head to toe

completely. Each person was scrubbed head to toe with antibacterial soap. She was tall and thin, and dressed head to toe in black.

See also: head

on your toes

aware and energetic. Acting classes and occasional work in clubs keep the actor on her toes. Bob always looked for difficult assignments because he believed that challenging work helped him stay on his toes professionally.

step on (someone's) toes

to upset someone, esp. by getting involved in something that is their responsibility. It's hard to make changes in the department without stepping on a lot of toes. He's willing to step on toes to get things done.

See also: step

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

(from) top to toe

(from) head to toe

See also: top