by the rules
1 of 2phrase
: in the way that is most common, expected, and acceptable
After years of boredom, she grew tired of living by the rules.
He has played by the rules throughout his career.
: 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
Riley Jones, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026
Who is affected by the rules now in place?
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Berry gives her best performance in years, conveying the anger and insecurity that fuel Sharon’s decision to stop playing by the rules.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
The protections prohibit landlords from raising rents by more than 10%, but many seemed undeterred by the rules.
—Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for by the rules
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Idiom
Kiko Kostadinov’s Asics sneakers have never played by the rules.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026
Who is affected by the rules now in place?
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Berry gives her best performance in years, conveying the anger and insecurity that fuel Sharon’s decision to stop playing by the rules.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
The protections prohibit landlords from raising rents by more than 10%, but many seemed undeterred by the rules.
—Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
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 24 Feb. 2026.
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