work-to-rule

noun

ˈwərk-tü-ˈrül 

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

Examples of work-to-rule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There was already a lack of investment in airport infrastructure and air traffic control, as well as poor working conditions for air traffic controllers, which led to strikes and work-to-rule protests. — Jordana Comiter, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025

This led to strikes and work-to-rule protests (when strict adherence to procedures is used to slow down operations), all while passenger numbers were growing without proportional expansion of infrastructure. — Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for work-to-rule

• minuscule
• molecule
• overrule
• poiseuille
• reticule
• ridicule
• vestibule
• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule

Legal Definition

work-to-rule

noun

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