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
Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Feb. 2026
The fight got bloody as the teams composed of older picklers exchanged taunts after some players were accused of not playing by the rules, not being able to take the heat in the kitchen.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for by the rules
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Idiom
Through it all, Weissman still doesn’t play by the rules.
—Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Feb. 2026
The fight got bloody as the teams composed of older picklers exchanged taunts after some players were accused of not playing by the rules, not being able to take the heat in the kitchen.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
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
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 4 Mar. 2026.
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