stay inside the lines

stay inside the lines

To think or act in accordance with set rules. Likened to the way a child is encouraged to neatly color within the lines of a coloring book. The company was very strict with its writers. You were never allowed any kind of creative freedom, always being told to stay inside the lines. That poor girl is so rigid. I think she's only capable of following rules and staying inside the lines.

See also: inside, line, stay

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.