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Difficulty: HardIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions

Read the sentence carefully: 'Despite her strong personal reservations regarding the executive board's new corporate policy, the senior director chose to toe the line during the press briefing.' Which of the following options best conveys the meaning of the idiomatic expression 'toe the line' as used in the sentence?

  1. strictly conform to the rules and expectations of authorityAnswer
  2. B
    openly voice defiance and challenge official decisions
  3. C
    physically stand on a designated floor boundary line
  4. D
    tender an immediate letter of resignation to the board

Answer

strictly conform to the rules and expectations of authority
The idiom 'toe the line' means to follow established rules, standards, or orders strictly, particularly when expected by an organization or authority. In the context provided, the senior director put aside her personal doubts to publicly adhere to the official corporate stance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The subject has 'strong personal reservations' but acts in a particular way during an official press briefing.
Understanding the contrast between private reservations and public conduct is essential to deciphering the intended meaning.
2
Determine the idiomatic meaning of 'toe the line'
'Toe the line' is an established English idiom meaning to conform strictly to established rules or authority.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally; their accepted figurative meanings dictate sentence comprehension.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
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Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

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