A verbal ‘Toes’ Command is an immediate action order that requires the House Boy to stop all movement, then lift both heels off the floor or ground, shifting his entire body weight to the front part of his feet. This command is given only when the boy is in a vertical position and should not be confused with the statement ‘Toes’ (calling for a display of the toes, usually for a physical inspection) which is given when the boy is in a horizontal or seated position.

A verbal 'Tiptoe’ (or 'Tiptoes or 'Tippytoes’) Command is an immediate action command that requires the boy to continue the movement with his heels lifted and weight shifted onto the front half of his feet. This command is usually reserved for demonstration use to show that the boy is well trained, or in circumstances where safety is a concern like walking through an area where nails, Legos, or other sharp objects have spilled.

The implied 'Tiptoe’ command is a rarely invoked protocol that requires the House Boy to Tiptoe only when walking, jogging, or running through tulips. Any time two or more tulip flowers are visible and the boy would normally travel between them, he is required to Tiptoe Through The Tulips. This is done as a gesture of respect to an entire generation that grew of age in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as to all tiny persons and all those named Tim.

In the example photo, a House Boy executes a Toes Command while outdoors. The boy will hold the position until directed otherwise unless he feels he is about to fall or cramp. The boy is subject to physical inspection while in this position, which usually begins with the heels of the feet and proceeds upward.

Violation of an implied Tiptoe command is not punishable if the boy reverses course and Tiptoes Through The Tulips properly unless reported by a house guest sooner. A minimum of six steps on tiptoes is required to properly complete the implied command. House Boys should be extra observant when walking through garden centers and nurseries and for house guests arriving with flowers.