Master confusing words with ease
Toe the line vs. Tow the line
Toe the line
/toʊ ðə laɪn/Examples:
Despite his opinions, he had to toe the line at work.She toed the line to maintain peace in the family.The company expects all employees to toe the line.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Tow the line
/toʊ ðə laɪn/Examples:
Employees must tow the line or face consequences.He urged his team to tow the line in all projects.Candidates needed to tow the line with the party's values.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Toe the line refers to the act of conforming to rules or standards, with toe indicating standing right at the line.
- Tow the line is incorrect and stems from the confusion with toe.
- You tow something when youre pulling it along, like towing a car, which is different from toeing, where youre standing still.
- Both phrases sound identical but have distinctly different origins and meanings.
- Remember, toe involves alignment or exact placement, while tow involves movement or pulling.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd