ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rule the school

idiom
Meaning

(of one or a group of students) To socially dominate a school's student population, or a major part of it (such as the girls or the boys).


Examples
SIMPLE

Those popular kids really rule the school.

CONTEXTUAL

Because they win every sports game and host the best parties, that group of seniors seems to rule the school.

COMPLEX

With their effortless charisma and influence over the social hierarchy, the varsity team members effectively rule the school, dictating trends and excluding those who do not fit their mold.

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 rule

    A fundamental rule or principle.

  4. 04

    ground rule

    The basic rules or standards; basic principles.

  5. 05

    new school

    A style, way of thinking, or method for accomplishing a task that is typical of the current era, as opposed to former eras.

  6. 06

    old school

    Preceded by the: a group of people characterized by being conservative or traditional; also, a method for accomplishing a task, a style, or a way of thinking that was employed in a former era, remembered either for its inferiority to the current method, or for its superiority over the new way.

  7. 07

    rule in

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

  8. 08

    rule of thumb

    A general guideline, rather than a strict rule; an approximate measure or means of reckoning based on experience or common knowledge.

© 2026 English Reference