toe the line
to do what you are ordered or expected to do

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

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.

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.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

toe the line
• toe the line/mark
to follow/obey the rules, to do what one is expected to do; accept the authority or policies of a particular group (competitors in a race line up with their toes on the starting line)
The team members were forced to toe the line when the new coach arrived.

The children were forced to toe the line when the new teacher arrived.

The worker refused to toe the line and was fired from his job.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

toe the line
v. phr. To be very careful to do just what you are supposed to do; obey the rules and do your duties.
The new teacher will make Joe toe the line.
Bill's father is strict with him and he has to toe the mark.
Compare: WALK THE CHALK.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲