play by rules

Meaning

1. Oxford100% of films

   if sb plays by their own rules or makes other people play by their rules, they set the conditions for doing business or having a relationship

   But in my dream, you play by my rules

In the movies · 8

• We won't play by their rules. We'll invent our own.Michael Collins1996
• and if you did that, and you played by his rules...Knives Out2019
• But in my dream, you play by my rulesInception2010
• 'No, we play by the rules.'National Theatre Live: Prima Facie2022
• All right, we play by my rules now.American Pie Presents: Band Camp2005
• Humans have asked us to play by their rules.Transformers: Age of Extinction2014
• Why don't we just play by the rules?The Way Way Back2013
• I play by the rules, even if my colleagues don't like it.The Life of David Gale2003

Learn it in full scenes

• Knives Out2019
  • Police Question the Thrombeys
  • Blanc Introduces Himself to the Family
  • The Family Recounts Party Night
• National Theatre Live: Prima Facie2022
  • Ensler Lets the Witness Talk
  • Ensler Corners the Witness
  • Tessa Comes Home After the Win
• The Way Way Back2013
  • Trent Rates Duncan a Three
  • Betty Welcomes the New Neighbors
  • Dinner at Trent's Beach House

From the same entry

• bend the rules
• play by the rules
• the rules of the game
• the rule of law
• a rule of thumb
• work to rule
• the exception that proves the rule
• rule the roost
• rule with a rod of iron
• rule out of court
• divide and rule
• let your heart rule your head