rules

Idioms (34)

• across the board Neutral · CEFR B2
  affecting everyone or everything equally
• gold standard Neutral · CEFR B2
  the best or most reliable example of its kind
• grey area Neutral · CEFR B2
  a situation that is unclear or not covered by clear rules
• golden rule Neutral · CEFR B1
  the most important rule or principle to follow
• rule of thumb Neutral · CEFR B2
  a rough, practical guideline based on experience rather than exact measurement
• fall foul of Formal · CEFR C1
  to get into trouble with someone or break a rule or law
• tick the boxes Informal · CEFR B2
  to meet all the required conditions or do things just to satisfy rules
• catch-22 Neutral · CEFR C1
  a no-win situation in which every possible solution is blocked by the very rules of the problem
• by the book Neutral · CEFR B2
  strictly following the rules or official procedures
• red tape Neutral · CEFR B2
  excessive bureaucracy and official rules
• out of the question Neutral · CEFR B1
  completely impossible or not permitted
• out of order Neutral · CEFR B2
  not working properly
• out of line Informal · CEFR B2
  behaving or speaking beyond acceptable limits
• serve someone right Neutral · CEFR B2
  used to say that someone deserves the unpleasant result they received
• seal of approval Neutral · CEFR B2
  a recognized sign that an authority accepts, supports, or endorses something
• take liberties Neutral · CEFR B2
  behave with more freedom or authority than is acceptable, often without permission
• err on the side of Formal · CEFR C1
  choose the safer course when uncertainty makes either option imperfect
• fair game Neutral · CEFR B2
  a person or thing considered an acceptable target for pursuit or criticism
• take it or leave it Neutral · CEFR B1
  accept an offer exactly as presented or reject it entirely
• hold the line Neutral · CEFR B2
  to maintain a position, decision, or principle despite pressure
• cut and dried Neutral · CEFR C1
  fully settled and clear, with little room for debate or alteration
• under lock and key Neutral · CEFR B1
  kept securely locked away so that access or escape is prevented
• take a dim view of Neutral · CEFR B2
  To judge something negatively or regard it with doubt or disapproval.
• no holds barred Neutral · CEFR B2
  With no limits or restrictions on how a contest, argument, or conflict is conducted.
• know the score Neutral · CEFR B2
  To understand the true situation, including its rules, risks, or likely consequences.
• beyond the pale Formal · CEFR C1
  Completely unacceptable by ordinary moral or social standards.
• lay down the law Neutral · CEFR B2
  to state rules firmly and make clear that they are not open to negotiation
• up to no good Informal · CEFR B1
  engaged in behavior that is mischievous, dishonest, or otherwise wrong
• sign on the dotted line Neutral · CEFR B1
  to commit yourself formally by signing an agreement
• fall in line Neutral · CEFR B1
  to obey or accept the rules and expectations set by a group or authority
• look the other way Neutral · CEFR B2
  to pretend not to notice misconduct or another troubling situation
• no strings attached Neutral · CEFR B2
  given freely, with nothing expected in return and no concealed restrictions
• forbidden fruit Neutral · CEFR B2
  something made more tempting by being off-limits or socially taboo
• not cricket Informal · CEFR C1
  unfair, dishonorable, or contrary to accepted standards of behavior