ENGLISH
REFERENCE

golden rule

idiom
Meaning

A fundamental rule or principle.


Examples
SIMPLE

Treating others with kindness is the golden rule.

CONTEXTUAL

In this office, the golden rule is to always double-check your work before sending it to the client.

COMPLEX

Throughout his long career in diplomacy, he maintained that the golden rule of negotiation was to listen far more than one speaks.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as a rule

    In general; most often.

  2. 02

    bright-line rule

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

  3. 03

    golden age

    A period of happiness, peace, prosperity, and great progress.

  4. 04

    golden goose

    Something that generates much profit or gives great advantages.

  5. 05

    golden handcuffs

    Any arrangement or agreement designed to provide extremely favorable benefits or pay, so as to discourage a participant from choosing to leave it, especially to retain a choice employee in a role that is unpleasant to them.

  6. 06

    golden handshake

    A generous severance payment, especially as an inducement to leave employment.

  7. 07

    golden hello

    A payment offered to an employee as an inducement to join, especially if currently working for a competitor.

  8. 08

    golden mean

    A position of balance between excess and deficiency.

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