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
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
Released in the early years of the Production Code, Angels found a way to redeem its gangster characters and play by the rules that required a redemptive theme.
—Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
Ultimately, Hezbollah should be put to a fundamental choice: Participate in Lebanese politics as a normal political party that plays by the rules or face further military humiliation at the hands of the Zionist enemy.
—Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024
By Jason Fields Newsweek Deputy Opinion Editor 98 The current definition of a Democrat is someone who plays nice—by the rules—regardless of the bully kicking sand in his, her or their face.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for by the rules 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Haley Bemiller, The Enquirer, 19 Dec. 2024
Released in the early years of the Production Code, Angels found a way to redeem its gangster characters and play by the rules that required a redemptive theme.
—Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
Ultimately, Hezbollah should be put to a fundamental choice: Participate in Lebanese politics as a normal political party that plays by the rules or face further military humiliation at the hands of the Zionist enemy.
—Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024
By Jason Fields Newsweek Deputy Opinion Editor 98 The current definition of a Democrat is someone who plays nice—by the rules—regardless of the bully kicking sand in his, her or their face.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 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 31 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share