site stats

Tow the line meaning origin

Webtoe the line/mark, to To meet a particular standard; to conform strictly to a rule. The term comes from track, when the runners in a race line up with their toes placed on the starting … WebMar 10, 2024 · To “toe the line” is to follow the rules or do the expected thing. It often has a sense of obeying an authority so as not to cause trouble: Sarah didn’t agree with the …

To toe the line - Idioms by The Free Dictionary

WebNov 28, 2002 · The origin of the phrase “toe the line” is naval and ancient. When a ship’s company fell in for formation each watch would line up on their own side of the ship (starboard watch on the right hand side, larboard watch on the left hand side). WebToe the line. "Toe the line" is an idiomatic expression meaning either to conform to a rule or standard, or to stand poised at the starting line in a footrace. Other phrases which were once used in the early 1800s and have the same meaning were toe the mark and toe the plank. Hmm maybe I figured all out. cliff\\u0027s pd https://placeofhopes.org

Toe or Tow the line? - Straight Dope Message Board

WebAug 30, 2024 · The meaning of TOWLINE is towrope. Recent Examples on the Web One of the jet skis sucked up a towline. — Tasha Zemke, Outside Online, 30 Aug. 2024 The storm caused the towline to snap. — Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, 4 Mar. 2024 The crew aboard the steamer, called Maunaloa, turned their vessel around and tried to reconnect the towline, … WebJun 27, 2024 · Tow, in this context, means flax or fiber used for spinning and ropemaking. Tow is typically a light brown or blond, hence its use to refer to that color of hair. The phrase is commonly reanalyzed and misspelled as toe … WebTo toe the line means to be where you need to be, to act as you need to act, according to a pre-defined standard. There’s no “towing” or “hauling” involved. Of course, before you toe … boat hieroglyph

Tow vs. Toe the Line - phrase meaning and origin - Phrasefinder

Category:toe the line - TheFreeDictionary.com

Tags:Tow the line meaning origin

Tow the line meaning origin

Tow vs. Toe the Line - phrase meaning and origin - Phrasefinder

WebJan 4, 2002 · "Toe the line" means to place your feet as prescribed. To tow a line would mean to drag it and doesn't call up any relevant image. : : Ignorance. But don't underestimate the power of ignorance. Some fine phrases have been created that way. Not that I can think of any right now. I do recall one phrase mangled by a friend. Webtoe the line/mark, to To meet a particular standard; to conform strictly to a rule. The term comes from track, when the runners in a race line up with their toes placed on the starting …

Tow the line meaning origin

Did you know?

WebThe idiom toe the line means to follow the rules or act in the way people expect you to. If you show up to class on time and refrain from riding your skateboard down the halls, you toe … WebMar 10, 2024 · ‘Tow the line’ is a misspelling based on ‘toe’ and ‘tow’ sounding the same, but ‘tow the line’ is always an error. The phrase comes from the idea of standing at the …

Webtoe the line toe the line (English) Alternative forms. toe the mark; Origin & history Most likely derived from putting one's toe to a line, mark, or seam on a naval ship as a form of regimentation or punishment. Verb toe the line To abide by the rules or conventions. Television shows these days do not always toe the line of decency and common ... WebAug 30, 2024 · The meaning of TOWLINE is towrope. Recent Examples on the Web One of the jet skis sucked up a towline. — Tasha Zemke, Outside Online, 30 Aug. 2024 The storm …

WebJan 1, 2005 · This is a mixed metaphor with two sources: #1 is "Toe the line," specifying how runners. stand before beginning a foot race. #2 is "party line," meaning political party doctrine, a phrase used by Lenin and adopted generally … Webnoun (2) 1. : short or broken fiber (as of flax, hemp, or synthetic material) that is used especially for yarn, twine, or stuffing. 2. a. : yarn or cloth made of tow. b. : a loose …

WebToe The Line. Previous Page. Toe The Line : Phrases Meaning: Follow the group, don't disagree, do what others are doing. Example: Your lifestyle has gone on for too long. It is time for you to toe the line - get a wife, a job, some kids and be miserable just like everyone else. Origin: Many mistakenly think the phrase is tow the line, thus obscuring the meaning. cliff\\u0027s p9WebTow the line synonyms, Tow the line pronunciation, Tow the line translation, English dictionary definition of Tow the line. Verb 1. toe the line - do what is expected abide by, … boathincheckWebPeople imagine that it is the same tow-line, with or without helpful rag, so handy for figures of speech. Others, while accepting the digital toes, place them on a line drawn on the floor of the ... boath house restaurantWebToe-the-line Definition Meanings Synonyms Definition Source Origin Verb Filter verb (idiomatic) To abide by the rules or conventions. Television shows these days do not … cliff\\u0027s pal on cheersWebtoe the mark. Origin & history. Most likely derived from putting one's toe to a line, mark, or seam on a naval ship as a form of regimentation or punishment. Verb. toe the line. … boath house nairn restaurantWebJan 4, 2002 · In Reply to: Tow vs. Toe the Line posted by Mike Portwood on January 04, 2002 : I've seen this phrase used in both forms on web sites, in articles, books, brochures, etc. I know from : discussions/histories that 'toe' is the original form, but observe that both "toe the line" and "tow the line" have basically : the same application and meanings ... boath house nairn scotlandWebJul 21, 2024 · Tow means to drag or pull. While you can theoretically pull a line of rope or cord, doing so doesn't really capture the sense of this expression, which is fundamentally about alignment: either with a starting point or boundary, or with a standard or norm. Tow … cliff\u0027s pal on cheers