[Sipowicz]

This one I do know: The term "Toeing the Line" comes from the Houses of Parliament. In the days when our MP's WERE gentlemen and carried swords, heated debates often ended in sword fights between front benchers. In order to restrict this habit, the then Speaker ordered opposing MP's to stand opposite each other, sword tip to sword tip and a line was painted on the floor of the chamber at the tip of each foot. Afterwards, anyone making a speech from the front benches had to stand with their toes behind the line without crossing it!!