“Tow the line” or “toe the line”: which is correct?
toe the line
The short answer
The correct idiom is toe the line, which means to conform to a rule or standard. The phrase originates from the idea of lining up with one’s toes on a starting line, ready to follow orders or begin an activity.
Why people get it wrong
People often hear toe the line and mistakenly assume it is tow the line due to the sound-alike nature of the words toe and tow, and a misunderstanding of the expression’s origins.
What kind of mistake it is
It’s an idiomatic error.
Examples with toe the line
- Employees are expected to toe the line when it comes to company policies.
- Despite the controversy, the officials were required to toe the line with the new regulations.
- In this school, students must toe the line to maintain discipline.
Quick check
Employees are expected to when it comes to company policies.
The correct idiom is toe the line, which means to conform to a rule or standard. The phrase originates from the idea of lining up with one’s toes on a starting line, ready to follow orders or begin an activity.
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