Rule of a group of people by their own leaders as opposed to rule imposed by a foreign government or people.

(idiomatic) To work slowly by strictly following all work rules, usually in a work-to-rule job action, as part of unionized labor protest.

Alternative spelling of work-to-rule

A labor protest in which employees do only the minimum work required by the rules of a workplace, following safety or other regulations to the letter in order to cause a slowdown.

Of or pertaining to such a protest.

(law) The method of strictly interpreting a statute according to the meaning, established by convention, of the words used therein.

(politics) Synonym of divide and conquer

The laws that govern driving, especially of motorists and cyclists. / (figuratively) A set of standard procedures or regulations governing the way something is done.

(idiomatic, Britain, informal) To be popularly accepted, or supported by the general majority of people.

(sports) A rule regarding play on a specific field, course, or court. / (idiomatic, usually in the plural) The basic rules or standards; whatever someone must know before proceeding.