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