sign on the dotted line

Idioms  

1. Agree formally or fully, as in The deal is just about fixed; all they have to do is sign on the dotted line. This idiom refers to the broken line traditionally appearing at the bottom of a legal document, indicating the place for one's signature. [Early 1900s]

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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

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

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

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2025

Contributors were to sign on the dotted line.

From The Wrong Twin by Wilson, Harry Leon