follow the rules

Meaning

This phrase means to obey or comply with the guidelines, laws, or instructions of a game, activity, or organization. In entertainment and sports, it means playing fairly without cheating. It is a neutral phrase used in many different contexts, from board games to public spaces.

Examples

• If we all follow the rules, the board game will be much more fun.

  If we all follow the rules, the board game will be much more fun.

• You must follow the rules of the tournament if you want to win the prize.

  You must follow the rules of the tournament if you want to win the prize.

• The referee made sure that both teams had to follow the rules.

  The referee made sure that both teams had to follow the rules.

• It is important to follow the rules when playing soccer to avoid getting a red card.

  It is important to follow the rules when playing soccer to avoid getting a red card.

• Children should learn to follow the rules of the playground.

  Children should learn to follow the rules of the playground.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ You need to make the rules if you want to play safely.

  ✓ You need to follow the rules if you want to play safely.

  'Make the rules' means to create them, while 'follow the rules' means to obey them.

• ✗ He doesn't listen the rules of the game.

  ✓ He doesn't follow the rules of the game.

  'Listen' is not used with 'rules'. Use 'follow', 'obey', or 'respect'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you don't ___, you will be disqualified from the game.

  💡 Obey the instructions and play fairly.

  Show answer

  follow the rules

• It's not fair to win if you don't ___.

  💡 Do what the game's guidelines say.

  Show answer

  follow the rules