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
One by the rules of it, and then two, just about what the following week looks like.
—
Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2025
That was by design, although perhaps not by the rules initially.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Schools that fail or refuse to abide by the rules could lose their funding, according to the recommendations.
—Kim Jarrett | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Dec. 2024
But Ferguson contends Ohio's policy has more teeth: The Ohio Department of Health must fine hospitals in violation and publish a list of those that don't play by the rules.
—Haley Bemiller, The Enquirer, 19 Dec. 2024
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Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2025
That was by design, although perhaps not by the rules initially.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Schools that fail or refuse to abide by the rules could lose their funding, according to the recommendations.
—Kim Jarrett | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Dec. 2024
But Ferguson contends Ohio's policy has more teeth: The Ohio Department of Health must fine hospitals in violation and publish a list of those that don't play by the rules.
—Haley Bemiller, The Enquirer, 19 Dec. 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 11 Feb. 2025.
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