# honor in the breach

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/honor-in-the-breach
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To demonstrate (a rule, law, or policy) by breaking or breaching it.

## Examples

- The company follows the rule more in the breach than in the observance.
- Although the office policy requires formal attire, the staff treats this rule as more honored in the breach than in the observance.
- The outdated regulation was widely ignored, with local officials treating the mandate as something honored in the breach rather than through strict adherence.

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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.