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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of dotted line

First recorded in 1770–75

Example Sentences

Others reading your story should know whether their financial adviser is a fiduciary or whether they’re receiving commissions before they sign on the dotted line.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

Discovery WBD -2.39%decrease; red down pointing triangle sent a message to Larry Ellison: If you want to buy our company, sign on the dotted line yourself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

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 • Jun. 26, 2025

"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 • Feb. 9, 2025

In his wake, in the silent bubbles left by the Frog moving through the water, there was a rippled, dotted line of eerie light glowing up from the water.

From "The Voyage Of The Frog" by Gary Paulsen