Meaning of three-line whip | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A directive to MPs from party leaders to vote in a particular way in parliament, despite what the MP might believe or what his or her constituents might like.
   UK
2. An imperative order.
   broadly, humorous

Examples

“Since the metaphysical status of egg-casing is not one on which the church has yet pronounced, opposition appears based on "yuck" and nothing else. But yuck has become⟳ diktat, with Catholic MPs up to cabinet level being given a three-line whip by their bishops.”

“Deputy Chief Whip Craig Whittaker told them it will be a “100% hard” three-line whip, saying: “This is not a motion on fracking. This is a confidence motion in the Government.””

“I have⟳ to go shopping with the wife, I'm afraid. She's given me a three-line whip.”

CEFR level