Keep In Line (Verb)
Meaning
Maintain influence over (others or oneself) skillfully, usually to one's advantage; "She manipulates her boss"; "She is a very controlling mother and doesn't let her children grow up"; "The teacher knew how to keep the class in line"; "she keeps in line".
Classification
Verbs of feeling.
Examples
- The experienced teacher knew how to keep her noisy students in line.
- She had learned to keep in line her tendency to overreact in stressful situations.
- The principal kept the disciplinary matters under control and managed to keep the school in line.
- The senator skillfully maneuvered the vote to keep his political opponents in line.
- Her mother knew just how to keep her in line, and she would do whatever it took to keep her on the right path.