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
They are just not convinced that playing by the rules will work.
—
Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
This office is committed to a healthy and stable insurance market for Florida homeowners, meaning insurance companies must play by the rules.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Don't be afraid to queue a few of your jams and mix in some other genres to satisfy all your guests' tastes—barbecues don't play by the rules!
—Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
Ultimately American aluminum workers and their families feel the pain when Canada, Mexico, and other countries don't play by the rules.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for by the rules
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Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
This office is committed to a healthy and stable insurance market for Florida homeowners, meaning insurance companies must play by the rules.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Don't be afraid to queue a few of your jams and mix in some other genres to satisfy all your guests' tastes—barbecues don't play by the rules!
—Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
Ultimately American aluminum workers and their families feel the pain when Canada, Mexico, and other countries don't play by the rules.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 15 Apr. 2025.
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