by the rules
idiom
: in the way that is most common, expected, and acceptable
After years of boredom, he grew tired of living by the rules.
She has always played by the rules throughout her career.
Examples of by the rules in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Those negotiations would be governed by the rules and principles embodied in human rights law, humanitarian law, International Court of Justice opinions, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions.
—
Marwan Muasher, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2024
Four paddlers, borne simultaneously through treacherous rapids, and required by the rules to flip over, beneath a horizontal bar, and dunk themselves head first?
—Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2024
Laws can be passed, but that doesn't mean everyone plays by the rules, according to Will Maxson, an assistant director with the FTC's division of marketing practices.
—Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2024
If a Floridian is convicted of a felony in another state, their right to vote is determined by the rules in the state where they were convicted.
—Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 2 July 2024
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Marwan Muasher, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2024
Four paddlers, borne simultaneously through treacherous rapids, and required by the rules to flip over, beneath a horizontal bar, and dunk themselves head first?
—Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2024
Laws can be passed, but that doesn't mean everyone plays by the rules, according to Will Maxson, an assistant director with the FTC's division of marketing practices.
—Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2024
If a Floridian is convicted of a felony in another state, their right to vote is determined by the rules in the state where they were convicted.
—Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for by the rules
Dictionary Entries Near by the rules
Cite this Entry
“By the rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20the%20rules. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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