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  #11 (permalink)  
Old 13-Jan-2007, 21:35
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Default Re: They haven't toed the mark yet

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Originally Posted by Kurt View Post
Could I also say here something like: "they (these men) don't pass muster...." or "they don't fit the bill....". IMHO, these two idioms do refer to "meeting certain requirements/standards", or?

Your clarifications on these would be very thankful!
Yes ,you are on the right lines.
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Old 16-Jan-2007, 18:20
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Default Re: They haven't toed the mark yet

I always felt that 'toe the mark', or 'toe the line' was a form of obediance to rules as opposed to fitness for the task.
If you come in late to work you are told you need to 'toe the line'.
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Old 16-Jan-2007, 22:50
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Default Re: They haven't toed the mark yet

Yes, you need to conform to the standard. If conforming to the standard means obedience to the rules, then you are right. However, if you are in a community where rule breaking is the standard, and you obey the rules, then you haven't "toed the line."
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Old 16-Jan-2007, 23:41
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Default Re: They haven't toed the mark yet

If you are involved in politics. you may be expected to 'toe the party line'
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