toe the line

verb4

1. •
   To abide by the rules or conventions; (politics, in particular) to follow the party line.

   • Television shows these days do not always toe the line of decency and common sense.
2. •
   To be on a boundary or in a grey area between two states.

   • Her stories often toe the line between fact and fiction.
3. •
   (nonstandard) To push boundaries imposed by an authority; to push the envelope; to flirt with crossing the line.

   • You were really toeing the line there with those comments.
4. •
   To stand at one's mark before a footrace.

   • Alberto Salazar is one of the most famous athletes to have toed the line at this great race.