# bright-line rule

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bright-line-rule
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A clear-cut rule, so that it is easy to make a decision.

## Examples

- The company has a bright-line rule against using phones during meetings.
- To avoid confusion, the manager established a bright-line rule that all project reports must be submitted by Friday at noon.
- The court established a bright-line rule to ensure that future judges could apply the law consistently without needing to interpret vague circumstances.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.