Etymology Journal ยท G
Get in line
Meaning
- To conform to established rules or expectations, or to stop acting out of order. It is a demand for obedience or alignment with the group.
Authoritative, stern
Used in a sentence
- If the employees do not get in line with the new policy, they will be out of a job.
- You need to get in line with the family plans if you want to go on the trip.
- It took some time, but he finally got in line with the rest of the team.
The backstory
Derived from the military or school practice of standing in a straight row. Staying in line keeps the group organized and manageable.
Heard in
Nationwide
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