sign on the line

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiominformal

   to formally agree to something, especially by signing a contract or document.

   Grammar: Used as an intransitive verb phrase: you sign on the line; you do not 'sign on the line something'.

   Patterns

   • sign on the line for something
   • sign on the line to do something

   After months of talks, the two sides finally signed on the line.

   She was ready to sign on the line for the new apartment.

   Don't sign on the line until you've read every page.

2. 2phraseidiomfigurativeinformal

   to make a firm commitment, especially in a way that cannot easily be changed.

   Grammar: Often used figuratively about promises or decisions, not only paper contracts.

   Patterns

   • sign on the line for something

   By accepting the offer, he signed on the line for five more years in the same job.

   The team signed on the line to finish the project by June.

Common combinations

ready to sign on the line

After seeing the final numbers, they were ready to sign on the line.

refuse to sign on the line

The union refused to sign on the line without better pay.

sign on the dotted line

The banker smiled and asked her to sign on the dotted line.

Synonyms and how they differ

sign a contract

This is the neutral, literal phrase; 'sign on the line' is more informal and dramatic.

commit

This focuses on the promise itself, while 'sign on the line' often suggests a formal document.

Word family

sign verb

to write your name on a document to show agreement.

signature noun

your name written by yourself, especially on a contract.

signatory noun

a person or organization that has signed an agreement.

Commonly confused: sign on the line or sign off? sign on the line or sign up?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “sign on the line”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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