The Archive

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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