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

Discovery board members who had fretted for weeks that they weren’t sure Ellison would sign on the dotted line, according to two people close to the auction who were not authorized to comment.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Well the dotted line is the 2024 General Election.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 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

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 special festivities held enough distractions, with so many people milling around the train depot, that no one noticed Ned Gillen at the army recruitment station, signing his name on the dotted line.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool