Idiom meaning, usage examples, facts

1. Mr. Kelly has survived in politics because he toes the line. He follows the policies of the majority and doesn’t try to stand out or be different.
2. The boss didn’t want any trouble from his workers. He told them they had better toe the line or get out.

Compare to: straight and narrow. The expression originates from an early form of boxing, in which a line was drawn on the ground and opponents had to keep the toes of one foot on the line during their fight. Any opponent who removed his toes from the line was disqualified from the fight.