dotted line

American  

noun

dotted lines plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• dotted lines
  plural

Etymology

Origin of dotted line

First recorded in 1770–75

Example Sentences

Tehran has shown interest in finding a nuclear agreement with Washington, which has demanded Iran give up its enriched uranium, but has shown no public signs of imminently signing on the dotted line.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 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

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

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

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2025

“Maybe that dotted line was the end of the trail instead of the beginning!”

From "Mystery Map (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #3)" by Franklin W. Dixon