by the rules

1 of 2

phrase (1)

: 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.

by the rules

2 of 2

phrase (2)

: 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

Phrase

The very nature of the oral tradition, which is decidedly African and characteristically unburdened by the rules of Western record-keeping, is the spirit of its truth, even more than its detail. — Anne Haley, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

Marc Jacobs has never been a designer who plays by the rules, and over the years Fox has become one of fashion's most fearless dressers—how's that for a fashion match made in heaven? — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 30 June 2026

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. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 4 May 2026

Housing officials have recommended changes to ULA, which includes exempting new projects from paying the tax, and making sure other sources of funds are not impacted by the rules set forth by the measure, among other things. — City News Service, Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase (1)

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for by the rules

• ampoules
• cesspools
• chondrules
• ferrules
• lobules
• macules
• preschools
• spherules
• toadstools
• whirlpools
• biomolecules
• macromolecules