"Fell in line" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that refers to aligning oneself with a particular group or conforming to established rules, standards, or expectations. It can also imply willingly accepting or following someone's lead, instructions, or directives.
The phrase "fell in line" originated from military terminology, where soldiers are required to form lines as a means of organization and order. In a broader context, it has transcended into everyday language to capture the idea of falling into step or joining others in a coordinated manner.
Figuratively, "fell in line" signifies compliance or submission to a collective goal or ideology. It implies conforming to societal norms or expectations that may exist within various contexts such as work, school, or social settings. For example, an employee may "fall in line" by adhering to company policies and procedures, or a student may "fall in line" by following the instructions of a teacher.
This expression also encapsulates the notion of obedience or acquiescence. It suggests that one is willing to put aside personal opinions, preferences, or beliefs in order to maintain harmony or unity within a group or organization. In essence, "falling in line" entails aligning oneself with the agreed-upon values, principles, or practices of a particular group or system.
