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

Vessel tracking information not available for dotted line.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

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

That means, people walk into recruiting offices and sign on the dotted line to potentially serve in combat, risking their lives in the service of the country.

From Salon • Nov. 12, 2024

The Burslem side are third from bottom and without a win in nine games overall, but three points tonight could, depending on other results, lift them very close to that dotted line.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2024

Her first boundary was the geography of her family, second her town, Salinas, and finally there was a dotted line, not clearly defined, which was the county line.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck