run the rule over
To examine carefully and thoroughly.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Please run the rule over this report before I send it.”
“The manager asked the team to run the rule over the new contract to ensure there are no hidden errors.”
“Before finalizing the acquisition, the auditors spent several days running the rule over the company's financial records to verify their accuracy.”
- 01
as a rule
In general; most often.
- 02
break into a run
To start running.
- 03
bright-line rule
A clear-cut rule, so that it is easy to make a decision.
- 04
common run
Ordinary persons, things, or events.
- 05
dry run
A practice or rehearsal; especially, one that goes through all the motions of a physical process but without the raw material or workpiece present.
- 06
dummy run
A trial or practice before the real attempt.
- 07
golden rule
A fundamental rule or principle.
- 08
good run
Success over an extended period.
Last updated August 10, 2026