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

Punishing undersea saboteurs is further complicated by the rules of jurisdiction. — Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

Complete with a leather cap, fingerless gloves, and knee-high boots, the pop star definitely wasn’t playing by the rules. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026

If your property is not bound by the rules and obligations of a homeowners association, emphasize that, too. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Heath Ledger’s Joker is an enemy who doesn’t play by the rules, attacking the city with no clear political goal beyond creating panic and chaos. — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 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