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Definition:
c) to show correct behaviour
German translation:
walk the line = sich gut benehmen, sich anständig benehmen, sich beherrschen
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GOOGLE INDEX
walk the line: approximately 1,600,000 hits (a vast majority refer to the movie and song title)
Sample text:
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine, I WALK THE LINE
(from the Johnny Cash song titled I Walk The Line)
Did you know?
walk the line
idiomatic phrase
- to behave in a proper manner, especially being faithful in a personal relationship
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WORD ORIGIN
The phrase “walk the line” is from the same named song from U.S. country and western legend Johnny Cash. Cash spent many years battling alcoholism and drug addiction and was a well-known womaniser.
While still married to his first wife, Cash had a strong romantic interest in country and western star June Carter, but she rejected his attempts for years out of concern for his alcohol and drug problem, though they would eventually marry.
Walk the Line is also the name of a 2005 film that chronicles Johnny Cash's life. In one scene, June Carter criticises Cash and members of his band for their alcohol and drug excesses and says to them, “you can't walk the line”. This is a reference to the test that police in the United States gave to drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol prior the development of breath analysers. Drivers were required to walk a straight line with their arms outstretched.
Carter inspired Cash to write the song, in which he promised to be faithful despite the many temptations to do otherwise. In one of the lines, he says “I find myself alone when each day is through”, which is a reference to spending nights alone in hotel rooms while on tour. Cash then follows by saying “because you're mine, I walk the line”. He is essentially saying he will behave properly out of deep affection for her.
(DH)
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SYNONYMS
walk the straight and narrow, toe the line, live by the letter of the law, toe the mark
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IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS TODAY
say something like:
“I suggest you walk the line before you get into more trouble with the boss!”
Thanks to Annette for suggesting today's word!
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And now...
Today's Learning Tip (20):
WRITE WITH YOUR LEFT-HAND
Try using your non-dominant hand (for most people the left hand) to note down any new words you want to learn. Many people find the effort of doing this helps them remember the word!
more learning tips
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