tow

in tow

if you have someone in tow, you have them with you. She arrived with six small children in tow.

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, toe

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in tow

following or going along under someone's control. She usually goes shopping with her three children in tow.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of a vehicle or ship in tow (= being pulled with a rope or chain)