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The phrase “tow the line” is something you may hear often in conversation and writing. This is a common misspelling for the idiomatic phrase “toe the line.” In this reference, we will cover its meaning, examples of how to use this phrase correctly and other ways to convey the same idea.
Tow The Line Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The idiomatic phrase “toe the line” means to conform to a standard set of rules or to place yourself at the starting line.
Tow The Line Meaning
“Toe the line” means to follow the rules, conform to expectations, or adhere strictly to established standards. It often implies doing what is expected or required, even if it’s difficult or goes against personal beliefs.
Example:
- “In the military, soldiers are expected to toe the line and follow orders without question.”
The phrase suggests obedience or compliance with rules or authority.
Origin of this Idiom
The exact origin of the idiomatic phrase “toe the line” is disputed. It is believed to have possibly come from school, the sport of boxing or the British House of Commons. However, most people believe that the phrase originated in the military. In the 1800s, seamen aboard vessels were required to come to roll call on deck in their bare feet. They were required to stand at attention aboard the deck of the ship with their toes placed on the lines, or seams, of the boards.
The common misspelling “tow the line” most likely comes from the shipping industry where bigger boats are tugged by smaller boats into port via a line. However, this explanation is not one of the likely origins of this phrase.
Usage of “Toe The Line”
Here are examples of how “toe the line” is used:
- In the workplace:
“If you want to keep your job, you’ll have to toe the line and follow company policies.” - In sports:
“Players are expected to toe the line and respect the coach’s decisions.” - In politics:
“The party members were told to toe the line and support the leader’s agenda.” - In school:
“Students must toe the line when it comes to the school’s dress code.”
In each example, “toe the line” refers to adhering to rules or expectations.
Related Terms to “Toe The Line”
- Follow the rules – Adhering to established guidelines or regulations.
- Obey – Complying with authority or instructions.
- Conform – Acting according to accepted standards or norms.
- Fall in line – Aligning with expectations or rules.
- Abide by – Following or sticking to rules, laws, or agreements.
- Stick to the rules – Not deviating from the rules.
- Play by the book – Following rules or procedures strictly.
- Comply – Acting in accordance with a command or set of rules.
- Adhere to – Following or upholding rules or guidelines.
- March in step – Conforming to group behavior or expectations.
Other Ways to Say “Tow The Line”
Like all idiomatic phrases, there are many other different ways the phrase can be said to convey the same meaning. Some alternatives include:
- Follow the rules
- Do what you are told
- Do what you are expected to do
“Toe The Line” Examples
Examples in Statements
A statement made by a teacher sharing her thoughts on how to keep better track of attendance.
- “When I was in school we had to toe the line. We were made to stand on a specific line twice a day and say we were present and accounted for.”
A statement made a local police officer in the newspaper about a recent arrest he had made.
- “Society requires that everyone toe the line. If you don’t, you suffer the consequences.”
Examples in Conversations
A conversation between a father and son.
- Son: Dad, I don’t know why you are so hard on me. No one else’s parents are so strict.
- Father: Sam, one day you will be thankful that I always made you toe the line. As long as you live under my roof, what I say goes.
- Son: Yes, sir!
A conversation between a manager and his employee.
- Manager: Do you know why I called you into my office?
- Employee: No, I do not.
- Manager: I called you in because I got several reports that you were violating safety violations on the floor yesterday.
- Employee: I may have engaged in horseplay a couple of times.
- Manager: That is just not acceptable. When you are on company time, I expect all of my employees to toe the line, especially when it comes to safety. Consider this your only warning. The next time I will have no choice but to fire you.
Interesting examples:
- You toe the line or you don’t stay on the team!
- Journalists who refuse to toe the line will have to be sacked.
- He might not like the rules but toe the line just to avoid trouble.
- In this company, you must toe the line if you want to keep your job.
- They didn’t agree, but as government employees, they had to toe the line.
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