(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

(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.

(law) A legal doctrine that prevents a murderer from realizing any inheritance from their victim, in effect in most jurisdictions.

A fundamental rule, upon which other matters hinge.