Toe the line Meaning in English
expression
ˈtoʊ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɫaɪn
TOH-thuh-LINE
tˈəʊ/ /ðə, ði/ /lˈaɪn
TOH-thuh-LINE
释义
To follow rules, instructions, or authority exactly as required, even if you don't agree.
用法与细微差别
This is an idiomatic, somewhat formal phrase. Often used in work or institutional contexts to mean 'obey rules or authority'. Not about physical toes—don't confuse with literal meanings.
Spanish: acatar las reglas - cumplir con las normasPortuguese (BR): seguir a risca - obedecer as regrasPortuguese (PT): cumprir as regras - obedecer à riscaChinese (Simplified): 遵守规定 - 遵循规则Chinese (Traditional): 遵守規定 - 遵循規則Hindi: नियमों का पालन करनाArabic: الالتزام بالقواعد - الامتثال للأوامرBengali: নিয়ম মানা - কর্তৃপক্ষের কথা মেনে চলাRussian: подчиняться правилам - поступать по инструкцииJapanese: 規則に従う - 指示に従うVietnamese: tuân thủ quy định - nghe theo lệnhKorean: 규칙을 따르다 - 지시에 복종하다Turkish: kurallara uymak - otoriteye boyun eğmekUrdu: قاعدے پر چلنا - حکم مانناIndonesian: mematuhi peraturan - tunduk pada otoritas
例句
Employees must toe the line if they want to keep their jobs.
basic
Children are expected to toe the line at school.
basic
He quickly learned to toe the line in the army.
basic
If you don't toe the line here, you'll get in trouble fast.
natural
Some people question authority, but most just toe the line.
natural
It’s hard for creative people to always toe the line.
natural