Holding the line: a closer look at a common mistake

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 23/10/2024, 12:36

English.me team member

What kind of error is it?

Tow the line or toe the line. What's correct?

It's an idiomatic error.

Why do people make this mistake?

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 is correct?

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.

Examples of correct usage

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.