Why is it called "towing the line" when you are just doing what everyone else does?

Question

Why is it called "towing the line" when you are just doing what everyone else does?

Answer 1

Hi there.  I wonder if perhaps the expression you meant is 'toeing the line'?

I did a definition check to perhaps explain it better than I could, and found this ........"Toeing the line - To adhere to doctrines or rules conscientiously; conform."

Hope this helps, if this is what you meant.

If it isn't, I'll now have you totally confused! :)

Answer 2

It is not towing the line, it is toeing the line.

It actually came from the military, where -to get the new recruits to line up straight -there was a white line painted on the pavement, and the Sargent would say (yell, actually) "Toe The Line ya dumb hicks!"