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
Any competitor who plays by the rules, the DOJ claims, is at a distinct disadvantage.
—
Brian Barrett, WIRED, 23 Aug. 2024
The video shows the inquiry was filed within 47 seconds after Chiles’ score was published, therefore abiding by the rules.
—Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 12 Aug. 2024
The band, who were paid $350,000 to perform, agreed to abide by the rules in order to take part in the festival.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 30 July 2024
In mid-June, before the Biden-Trump debate, DNC officials laid out a new plan to hold meetings with various committees meeting ahead of the Chicago convention, including a Friday huddle by the rules committee.
—Tyler Pager, Washington Post, 17 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for by the rules 
Brian Barrett, WIRED, 23 Aug. 2024
The video shows the inquiry was filed within 47 seconds after Chiles’ score was published, therefore abiding by the rules.
—Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 12 Aug. 2024
The band, who were paid $350,000 to perform, agreed to abide by the rules in order to take part in the festival.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 30 July 2024
In mid-June, before the Biden-Trump debate, DNC officials laid out a new plan to hold meetings with various committees meeting ahead of the Chicago convention, including a Friday huddle by the rules committee.
—Tyler Pager, Washington Post, 17 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for by the rules
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'by the rules.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 1 Oct. 2024.
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