dotted line

American  

noun

1. a line on a contract or similar document for a party's signature.

2. a line at which a sheet of paper is perforated or a piece of it is to be detached.

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idioms

1. sign on the dotted line, to agree fully to terms or conditions.

2. signature on the dotted line, full agreement to terms and conditions.

dotted line British  

noun

1. a line of dots or dashes on a form or document

2. to agree formally, esp by signing one's name on a document

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Etymology

Origin of dotted line

First recorded in 1770–75

Example Sentences

“A curse is like a contract. Two parties sign on the dotted line. Neither one of them can change it. Unless!”

From Literature

"And I think he doesn't view the industrial action that the union has taken as an invitation to negotiate, but rather as an ultimatum to sign a dotted line that he doesn't want to sign."

From BBC

The singer got her way in court after a judge decided the evidence indicated the man, who founded 1-800-Flowers, was well enough to sign on the dotted line.

From Los Angeles Times

If 10% of voters sign on the dotted line, then a by-election is triggered.

From BBC

"You look around first and then you check things out and nothing is certain until you sign on the dotted line," she said.

From BBC