play by the rules

play by the rules

To adhere to the rules, strictures, or conditions imposed by person or body of authority. If you want to write for this paper, kid, you're going to have to play by the rules! She's always been attracted to bad boys who play by their own rules.
See also: by, play, rule

play by the rules

follow what is generally held to be the correct line of behaviour.
See also: by, play, rule

play by the ˈrules

deal fairly and honestly with people: You know how we conduct business here, and I expect you all to play by the rules in future.
See also: by, play, rule
References in periodicals archive ?
As part of the government's long-term economic plan we have taken action to make sure our economy delivers for people who want to work hard, play by the rules and contribute to this country," said Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith.
Britain to further tighten benefits for EU immigrants
CREDITORS have been told to play by the rules - and stop harassing debtors who have formal insolvency procedures under way.
Creditors get timely warning
In the world of business, it is extremely important that everyone play by the rules so that one person doesn't get burned.
Avoid unlicensed contractors
Such action is a demonstration of how Gordon Brown's Government stands by people who play by the rules.
Pension letter from Gordon is 'just a kick in the teeth'
Votes don't always go our way, but we all need to play by the rules.
A gay winner & a sore loser
He explains that the larger employers that play by the rules and pay their taxes to support infrastructure are upset to see other work being done when those monies are not being paid into the system.
Province targeting undergound economy: new labour law is part of an effort to eliminate contractors flouting WSIB premiums and eroding safety standards
IN life, if you generally play by the rules, people will cut you some slack.
EDITORIAL REQUEST DENIED
First, it would have siphoned off materials from legitimate C&D recycling operations trying to play by the rules.
Federal agency blocks rail transfer station
They claim working out the angles on the cue ball is a geometry lesson in itself, English is needed to read the rules of the game and "citizenship skills" will be developed as pupils are taught to play by the rules.
CAROLE MALONE: SNOOKER
He said: 'Those who play by the rules get the help.
IF YOU CAN WORK YOU SHOULD WORK; Blair plans benefits crackdown
Some of them, like Joe Elliott, struggle against all odds to play by the rules.
My new Kentucky home: the cutting edge of illegal immigration used to be Los Angeles. Now It's Owensboro
But the largest loss and the hardest to repair may be the public's growing lack of faith in American corporations and their ability to play by the rules.
Doing the right thing: now more than ever, the insurance industry needs to be a model of corporate ethics. (Property/Casualty: Underwriting Insight)
To add insult to injury, not only will kids who did not break any laws be denied entry to the campus of their choice; their parents will be forced to subsidize the children of those who did not play by the rules.
Why illegal immigrants should not receive in-state tuition subsidies. (Controversy)
Loury, a professor of economics and director of the Institute on Race and Social Division at Boston University, writes that under Clinton, "The Democrats' mantra became 'If you work hard and play by the rules, you shouldn't be poor.
Glenn C. Loury
Cheating is unfair to the students who play by the rules.
Should You Turn In a Cheater?
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