Play by the rules
phrase
To act or behave according to the accepted or official standards.
If you want to succeed in this company, you need to play by the rules.
Often appears as...
- must play by the rules
- refuse to play by the rules
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Not cheating or using unfair tactics in a game or situation.
Everyone wants to win, but it's important to play by the rules.
Often appears as...
- always play by the rules
- fair play by the rules
phrase
To follow the usual traditions or conventions.
In order to fit in with his peers, he felt he had to play by the rules.
Often appears as...
- desire to play by the rules
- conform and play by the rules
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To act or behave according to the accepted or official standards.
If you want to succeed in this company, you need to play by the rules.
Often appears as...
- must play by the rules
- refuse to play by the rules
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Not cheating or using unfair tactics in a game or situation.
Everyone wants to win, but it's important to play by the rules.
Often appears as...
- always play by the rules
- fair play by the rules
phrase
To follow the usual traditions or conventions.
In order to fit in with his peers, he felt he had to play by the rules.
Often appears as...
- desire to play by the rules
- conform and play by the rules
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Workplace Expectations
Understanding 'play by the rules' is key in professional settings, it implies adherence to company policies.
He got the promotion because he always plays by the rules.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a metaphor for ethical conduct, not about actual game rules.
She believes in success through hard work and playing by the rules.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Nuance
In some cultures, 'playing by the rules' implies trust and integrity.
Our partnership thrives because we both play by the rules.
Pro Tip 1/3Workplace Expectations
Understanding 'play by the rules' is key in professional settings, it implies adherence to company policies.
He got the promotion because he always plays by the rules.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a metaphor for ethical conduct, not about actual game rules.
She believes in success through hard work and playing by the rules.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Nuance
In some cultures, 'playing by the rules' implies trust and integrity.
Our partnership thrives because we both play by the rules.
Pro Tip 1/3Workplace Expectations
Understanding 'play by the rules' is key in professional settings, it implies adherence to company policies.
He got the promotion because he always plays by the rules.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a metaphor for ethical conduct, not about actual game rules.
She believes in success through hard work and playing by the rules.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Nuance
In some cultures, 'playing by the rules' implies trust and integrity.
Our partnership thrives because we both play by the rules.
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