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
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
Playing by the rules hasn't gotten you far.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
But what if there's an astrophysical creature that refuses to play by the rules?
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for by the rules
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Idiom
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
Playing by the rules hasn't gotten you far.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
But what if there's an astrophysical creature that refuses to play by the rules?
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 18 Jan. 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 17 Feb. 2026.
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