dotted line

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.

dotted line

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dotted line¹

First recorded in 1770–75

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

That threat, along with U.S. conciliations that followed, coaxed Qatar to demand its Hamas client sign on the dotted line.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

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

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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.

Read more on Salon