play by the rules

Meaning

1. to deal fairly and honestly with people

In the movies · 3

• Why don't we just play by the rules?The Way Way Back2013
• 'No, we play by the rules.'National Theatre Live: Prima Facie2022
• Look. You can stay here in the big leagues and play by the rules, or you can go back to the farm club in Aurora.Wayne's World1992
• If you've got the cash and you play by the rules.Sin City2005
• Play by the gangs' rules.Felon2008
• I play by the rules, even if my colleagues don't like it.The Life of David Gale2003
• They don't remotely play by the same rules.The Theory of Everything2014
• Games, sports, rules. Playing by the rules.What Women Want2000

Learn it in full scenes

• The Way Way Back2013
  • Trent Rates Duncan a Three
  • Betty Welcomes the New Neighbors
  • Dinner at Trent's Beach House
• National Theatre Live: Prima Facie2022
  • Ensler Lets the Witness Talk
  • Ensler Corners the Witness
  • Tessa Comes Home After the Win

From the same entry

• bend the rules
• play by 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

More idioms

• pull the wool over eyes
• put the record straight
• roll up your sleeves
• sooner rather than later
• take a shine to
• you could have fooled me
• on air
• one or two
• you wait
• seeing that
• in fairness
• keep your head