andar na linha

Portuguese

Meaning

to toe the line, to behave properly

Example

Depois que meu marido me perdoou a traição, preciso andar na linha.

After my husband forgave me for cheating, I need to walk the line.

Origin

The image of staying in a straight line suggests following rules. Dictionaries record andar na linha as behaving properly or as expected; the image alone does not establish a military origin.

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Source: Michaelis.

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