To toe the line means to follow rules or instructions carefully, especially when someone in authority expects strict obedience.
The expression comes from early military drills, where soldiers stood with their toes touching a marked line so the ranks stayed straight and orderly.
The expression comes from early military drills, where soldiers stood with their toes touching a marked line so the ranks stayed straight and orderly.
The coach warned the team to toe the line if they wanted to stay on the squad.