by the rules
idiom
: 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
Longtime 'Survivor' host Jeff Probst and other producers opened up to PEOPLE about all the rules contestants must abide by on the high-stakes reality show
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Survivor is about to crown another winner, but the $1 million prize can only be earned by those who are willing to play by the rules.
—
Skyler Caruso, People.com, 21 May 2025
Several royal experts believe that her secret to success has been playing by the rules and not breaking out as a royal rebel.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025
And by the exact same logic, someone who’s proven chronically unwilling or unable to abide by the rules of the road shouldn’t be allowed to get behind the wheel of a car — which is a deadly weapon when driven irresponsibly.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
Instead, both sides played by the rules of Chess960.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 May 2025
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Skyler Caruso, People.com, 21 May 2025
Several royal experts believe that her secret to success has been playing by the rules and not breaking out as a royal rebel.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025
And by the exact same logic, someone who’s proven chronically unwilling or unable to abide by the rules of the road shouldn’t be allowed to get behind the wheel of a car — which is a deadly weapon when driven irresponsibly.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
Instead, both sides played by the rules of Chess960.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 May 2025
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 8 Jun. 2025.
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