# rule out

idiom

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

## Meaning

To reject an option from a list of possibilities.

## Examples

- We can rule out that option because it costs too much.
- The doctor ran several tests to rule out any serious health problems before starting the treatment.
- Investigators had to rule out every other possible explanation before they could conclude that the fire was caused by a faulty electrical wire.

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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.