# rule in

idiom

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

## Meaning

To consider (something) as a possible option among others.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

The term entered English usage as a back-formation by analogy with the pre-existing phrasal verb *rule out*.

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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.