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./ (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. Contrast: OUT OF LINE.