rule in
To consider (something) as a possible option among others.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We can rule in the park as a place for the party.”
“After checking the weather forecast, we decided to rule in the outdoor venue for the wedding ceremony.”
“The committee chose to rule in several new candidates for the position, despite their lack of traditional experience in the field.”
The term entered English usage as a back-formation by analogy with the pre-existing phrasal verb *rule out*.
- 01
as a rule
In general; most often.
- 02
bright-line rule
A clear-cut rule, so that it is easy to make a decision.
- 03
golden rule
A fundamental rule or principle.
- 04
ground rule
The basic rules or standards; basic principles.
- 05
rule of thumb
A general guideline, rather than a strict rule; an approximate measure or means of reckoning based on experience or common knowledge.
- 06
rule OK
To be popularly accepted, or supported by the general majority of people.
- 07
rule out
To reject an option from a list of possibilities.
- 08
rule the day
To set the standard which guides behavior; to control a situation, group, strategy, etc.
Last updated August 10, 2026