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What does the expression top of the line mean?
Definition of top-of-the-line : top-notch especially : being or belonging to the highest or most expensive class top-of-the-line camera equipment.
Where did toe the line originate?
The most likely origin of the term goes back to the wooden decked ships of the Royal Navy during the late 17th or early 18th century. Barefooted seamen had to stand at attention for inspection and had to line up on deck along the seams of the wooden planks, hence to “toe the line”.
Where does the phrase on the line come from?
According to Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, both senses of “on the line” that the OP asks about derive from the same source: a reference to the physical line on a craps table where gamblers place their chips in making a bet.
Where did the term top notch come from?
‘Top notch’ is of American origin and followed on from the earlier, British ‘topping’. The US also later adopted ‘the tops’. All these phrases mean the same thing. Presumably, those who were ‘top notch’ had avoided the indignity of being ‘taken down a peg’.
What is another word for top of the line?
Synonyms & Antonyms of top-of-the-line
- top-shelf,
- topflight,
- topping.
- [chiefly British],
- unsurpassed,
- wizard.
- [chiefly British],
- wonderful.
What does on the cutting edge mean?
As an adjective ‘cutting edge’ refers to something that is the newest, most advanced of its kind. To be ‘at the cutting edge’ means to be at the forefront, where new developments are taking place. “The research comes from a company at the cutting edge of space science.”
What does towing the mark mean?
To meet a particular standard; to conform strictly to a rule. The term comes from track, when the runners in a race line up with their toes placed on the starting line or mark. It began to be used figuratively in the early nineteenth century.
What does tow the party line mean?
to do what someone in authority tells you to do although you may not agree with it.
What does toe the scratch mean?
Toe the scratch is from prize fighting, where scratch was the line drawn across the ring (often in the earth of an informal outdoor ring) to which the fighters were brought ready for the contest — it’s a close relative of to come up to scratch.
What does top nudge mean?
adjective. If you describe someone or something as top-notch, you mean that they are of a very high standard or quality.
What is top notcher?
top-notcher (plural top-notchers) (colloquial) Something excellent or first-rate.