idioms using “toe”

Toe the line

To follow the rules exactly

“Don’t worry about Kitano-san’s team. She’ll make sure they toe the line.”

Put one’s toe in the water

To start slowly and carefully

“The coffee shop chain put its toe in the water by opening a small shop near the train station.”

Toe to toe

To compete fiercely

“The two foreign newspapers have gone toe to toe in other Asian countries so all eyes are on them as they enter the Japan market.”

Keep one on one’s toes

To force one to stay alert

“Having a strong competitor is good for our company; it keeps us on our toes.”

Step on someone’s toes

To offend someone with criticism or interfere with their work

“Sakura-san said she didn’t mean to step on the supervisor’s toes; she was just trying to help.”