idioms using “rule”

Rule the roost

To make the decisions (usually in the home)

“Mari-san and her husband share responsibility equally at their office, but she rules the roost.”

A rule of thumb

A general rule that is right in most cases

“A good rule of thumb for overcoming jet lag is one day per time zone.”

Bend the rules

To almost break or slightly break the rules to give someone a break

“The contest organizer is bending the rules to let us enter because our application arrived a day late.”

Rule out

To exclude or eliminate

“Don’t rule out Kamiya-san when choosing the team leader just because of her age. She has great leadership potential.”

Rule with an iron fist

To be a harsh or dictatorial leader

“The accounting department is run efficiently but not much fun to work in; Sekine-san rules it with an iron fist.”