work to rule

Meaning

1. to follow the rules of your job in a very strict way in order to cause delay, as a form of protest against your employer or your working conditions

From the same entry

• bend the rules
• play by rules
• play by the rules
• the rules of the game
• the rule of law
• a rule of thumb
• 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