Definition

Verb: - To control, manage, or discipline someone to ensure they follow rules, meet expectations, or behave correctly. It implies exerting authority or influence to maintain order or compliance.

Usage

This verb phrase is used to describe the act of ensuring someone adheres to established standards, rules, or a desired course of action. It often involves supervision, correction, or persuasive influence.

Examples

• The strict manager works hard to keep his team in line with company policy.
• It's a parent's job to keep their children in line and teach them proper behavior.
• The new regulations are designed to keep the industry in line with environmental standards.

Advanced Usage

• To keep oneself in line: To exercise self-control or self-discipline.
  • He's trying to keep himself in line with his new diet and exercise regimen.

Variants and Related Words

• Keep in check: To control or restrain something, often to prevent it from becoming excessive.
  • The central bank aims to keep inflation in check.
• Bring into line: To cause someone or something to conform.
  • The CEO needed to bring the rebellious department into line.

Synonyms

• Control
• Manage
• Discipline
• Regulate

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Fall in line: To begin to conform or comply.
  • After some initial resistance, the employees fell in line with the new procedures.

Related Idioms

• Toe the line: To conform to rules or standards, especially under pressure.
  • The senator was forced to toe the party line on the issue.

Verb

1. control (others or oneself) or influence skillfully, usually to one's advantage
   • She manipulates her boss
   • She is a very controlling mother and doesn't let her children grow up
   • The teacher knew how to keep the class in line
   • she keeps in line