fall into line


fall in(to) line

1. Literally, to form a line by standing one in front of another. Fall in line, kids, so we can go to gym class.2. To conform, adhere to, or agree with that which is established or generally accepted, such as rules, beliefs, modes of behavior, etc. You might have some wild ideas for the future, but you'll never get anywhere in this business if your actions don't fall in line with your boss's expectations.See also: fall, line

fall in(to) line

 1. Lit. to line up so that each person (except the first person) stands behind someone. The teacher told the students to fall in line for lunch. Hungry students fall into line very quickly. 2. Fig. to conform; to fall in(to) place. All the parts of the problem finally fell into line. Bill's behavior began to fall in line. 3. Fig. to behave in a manner similar to someone or something. You are expected to fall into line with the other people. We want you to fall in line.See also: fall, line

fall in line

Also, fall into line. Adhere to established rules or predetermined courses of action. For example, This idea falls in line with the entire agenda, or It wasn't easy to get all the tenants to fall into line concerning the rent hike. A related term is bring into line, meaning "to make someone fit established rules," as in It was her job to bring her class into line with the others. These terms employ line in the sense of "alignment," a usage dating from about 1500. See also: fall, line

fall in (or into) line

conform with others or with accepted behaviour. This phrase originally referred to soldiers arranging themselves into military formation.See also: fall, line

fall into line

To adhere to established rules or predetermined courses of action.See also: fall, line