What does “Walk the line” mean?
"Walk the line" means to behave in a way that follows the rules or avoids trouble.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He always walks the line and never gets into trouble.
Example
She knows how to walk the line and stay out of trouble.
Example
The politician must walk the line to maintain a good reputation
Is “Walk the line” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Walk the line” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Walk the line” effectively in context?
You can use "Walk the Line" to describe someone who consistently behaves in a way that follows the rules or avoids trouble. It emphasizes the idea of maintaining discipline and staying on the right path. For example, if a friend always makes responsible choices, you might say, 'He always walks the line and never gets into trouble.'
- 1Personal Behavior
She knows how to walk the line and stay out of trouble.
- 2Professional Conduct
The politician must walk the line to maintain a good reputation.
- 3Academic Integrity
In order to succeed, students must walk the line and avoid cheating.
Similar phrases to “Walk the line”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Walk the line” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Walk the Line" is unknown.
Is “Walk the line” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Walk the Line" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who consistently follows rules or avoids trouble.
What tone does “Walk the line” have?
"Walk the Line" conveys a tone of discipline and responsibility. It suggests that the person being described is conscientious and makes choices that align with societal expectations.
Can “Walk the line” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Walk the Line" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of behaving in a disciplined manner. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She knows how to walk the line and avoid trouble.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "walk the line"!' to imply the need for discipline.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- follow the rules
- obey the guidelines
- conform to expectations
- behave responsibly
- stay within bounds
Antonyms
- cross the line
- misbehave
- break the rules
- rebel against authority
- act recklessly
