work-to-rule

noun

ˈwərk-tü-ˈrül

: the practice of working to the strictest interpretation of the rules as a job action

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of work-to-rule was in 1920

See more words from the same year

Style

“Work-to-rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work-to-rule. Accessed 3 Feb. 2023.

Copy Citation

work-to-rule

noun

: the practice of working to the strictest interpretation of the rules as a job action

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