rule*/*/*/

[ruːl] noun I

1) [C] a statement that explains what you can or cannot do in a particular situation

grammatical rules[/ex]

Players who break the rules are sent off the field.[/ex]

You should always follow these simple rules when using electrical equipment.[/ex]

You can't do that, it's against the rules![/ex]

the basic rules of the game[/ex]

2) [U] the person, group, or country that officially controls a place

British rule over Hong Kong ended in 1997.[/ex]

•

as a rule — usually[/ex]

As a rule, I stay in on Friday nights.[/ex]

bend / stretch the rules — to allow something that is not normally allowed[/ex]

be the rule — to be what usually happens, or what is thought to be normal[/ex]

Sunny skies are the rule at this time of year.[/ex]

rule of thumb — a simple method or principle that is not exact, but that is effective[/ex]

See:

golden rule,

home rule

Words often used with rule Verbs often used with rule (noun, sense 1) ■ bend, break, flout, stretch + RULES: not accept rules ■ follow, obey, play by, stick to + RULES: accept rules II

verb

rule */*/[ruːl]

1) [I/T] to officially control a country or area

Syn:

govern

Portugal ruled East Timor for nearly four centuries.[/ex]

2) [I/T] to make and announce an official decision

The judge still has not ruled on the case.[/ex]

The court ruled that the strike was illegal.[/ex]

3) [T] to control someone's thoughts or actions

Money and music rule Charlie's world.[/ex]

We must not allow ourselves to be ruled by personal feelings.[/ex]

•

- rule sb/sth out