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
Unwilling to take orders or play by the rules of polite society, the two partner up as a bookmaker and his enforcer and run an illicit gambling operation that proves highly profitable — but dangerous.
—
Alex Ritman, Variety, 8 May 2025
Lochlan, obliged by the rules, gives his brother a wee peck.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025
Consumers need to be careful to play by the rules and pay off the item with its term or they could otherwise be hit with significant fees.
—Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Outrageous is the story of six aristocratic sisters who refused to play by the rules, their often-scandalous lives making headlines around the world.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
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.
Alex Ritman, Variety, 8 May 2025
Lochlan, obliged by the rules, gives his brother a wee peck.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025
Consumers need to be careful to play by the rules and pay off the item with its term or they could otherwise be hit with significant fees.
—Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Outrageous is the story of six aristocratic sisters who refused to play by the rules, their often-scandalous lives making headlines around the world.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 17 Apr. 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 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share