1rule 
/ˈru:l/ noun
plural rules /ˈru:l/ noun 1 [count] a : a statement that tells you what is or is not allowed in a particular game, situation, etc.
▪ I understand the basic rules of chess. ▪ As long as you're living under our roof, you'll follow/obey our rules. ▪ The college has strict rules for qualifying for financial assistance. ▪ The new rule allows/permits employees to dress casually on Fridays. ▪ Under the new rules, casual dress is now allowed. ▪ the company's rules and regulations ▪ It's important to learn the rules of the road before taking your driving test. ▪ It's against the rules to eat during class. ▪ He violated the unwritten/unspoken rule that you must thank your host before you leave a party. ▪ We cannot bend/stretch the rules [=change or ignore the rules] just for you. ▪ If you break the rules, you'll be asked to leave. — see also gag rule, ground rule synonyms law
b : a statement that tells you what is allowed or what will happen within a particular system (such as a language or science)
▪ the rules of grammar ▪ the rules of geometry 2 [count] : a piece of advice about the best way to do something
▪ Your speech will go well as long as you follow one simple rule: be confident. ▪ The first rule of driving is to pay attention. ▪ A good rule to follow when traveling is to do as the locals do. 3 [singular] : the way something usually is done or happens
▪ As a rule, I don't drive in the snow. [=I don't usually drive in the snow] ▪ As a general rule, electronic gadgets become smaller as they develop. ▪ Friendly customer service seems to be the exception rather than the rule nowadays. [=friendly customer service seems to be rare these days] ▪ They make it a rule to treat everyone fairly. [=they always treat everyone fairly] 4 [noncount] : the control and power that a particular person, group, or government has over a country or area
▪ Today we celebrate the anniversary of the country's independence from colonial rule. ▪ Under her rule, the country prospered. — see also home rule, majority rule 5 [count] old-fashioned : a stick used for measuring things : ruler — see also slide rule
▪ I understand the basic rules of chess. ▪ As long as you're living under our roof, you'll follow/obey our rules. ▪ The college has strict rules for qualifying for financial assistance. ▪ The new rule allows/permits employees to dress casually on Fridays. ▪ Under the new rules, casual dress is now allowed. ▪ the company's rules and regulations ▪ It's important to learn the rules of the road before taking your driving test. ▪ It's against the rules to eat during class. ▪ He violated the unwritten/unspoken rule that you must thank your host before you leave a party. ▪ We cannot bend/stretch the rules [=change or ignore the rules] just for you. ▪ If you break the rules, you'll be asked to leave. — see also gag rule, ground rule synonyms law
b : a statement that tells you what is allowed or what will happen within a particular system (such as a language or science)
▪ the rules of grammar ▪ the rules of geometry
▪ Your speech will go well as long as you follow one simple rule: be confident. ▪ The first rule of driving is to pay attention. ▪ A good rule to follow when traveling is to do as the locals do.
▪ As a rule, I don't drive in the snow. [=I don't usually drive in the snow] ▪ As a general rule, electronic gadgets become smaller as they develop. ▪ Friendly customer service seems to be the exception rather than the rule nowadays. [=friendly customer service seems to be rare these days] ▪ They make it a rule to treat everyone fairly. [=they always treat everyone fairly]
▪ Today we celebrate the anniversary of the country's independence from colonial rule. ▪ Under her rule, the country prospered. — see also home rule, majority rule
by the rules
: 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.
▪ After years of boredom, he grew tired of living by the rules. ▪ She has always played by the rules throughout her career.
rule of law
: a situation in which the laws of a country are obeyed by everyone
▪ The courts uphold the rule of law.
▪ The courts uphold the rule of law.
rule of thumb 1 : a method of doing something that is based on experience and common sense rather than exact calculation
▪ A good rule of thumb for keeping your closet organized is to get rid of any clothes you haven't worn in the past year. 2 : a principle that is believed and followed and that is based on the way something usually happens or is done
▪ As a rule of thumb, stocks that involve greater risk also have the potential of earning you more money.
▪ A good rule of thumb for keeping your closet organized is to get rid of any clothes you haven't worn in the past year.
▪ As a rule of thumb, stocks that involve greater risk also have the potential of earning you more money.
