IN LINE

in line 1 adv. phr. In or into a straight line. The boys stood in line to buy their tickets. Tom set the chairs in line along the wall. The carpenter put the edges of the boards in line.

in line 2 adj. phr. 1. In a position in a series or after someone else. John is in line for the presidency of the club next year. Mary is fourth in line to be admitted to the sorority. 2. Obeying or agreeing with what is right or usual; doing or being what people expect or accept; within ordinary or proper limits. The coach kept the excited team in line. When the teacher came back into the room, she quickly brought the class back in line. The government passed a new law to keep prices in line.

Compare: IN HAND.

Antonym: OUT OF LINE.