When a person is told to Toe The Line, they are expected to follow the rules and give in to authority. The phrase originally refers to the lines drawn along the two front benches in the House of Commons – lines that still exist. The two lines are purposefully placed at a distance far enough apart to stop opposing members reaching each other with their swords, should the debating become really heated. During an argument, any member becoming animated enough to step over a line would be called to order and told to “toe the line”. Tradition still stops members from “crossing the line” even though none of them carry swords anymore.