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]

---

Example Sentences

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

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

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2025

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.

From Salon • Nov. 12, 2024

The attempt to get people to sign on the dotted line, as it were, makes our communications aggressive and imperialistic.

From Herein is Love A Study of the Biblical Doctrine of Love in Its Bearing on Personality, Parenthood, Teaching, and All Other Human Relationships. by Howe, Reuel L.