work to rule
To work slowly by strictly following all work rules, usually in a work-to-rule job action, as part of unionized labor protest.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The staff decided to work to rule to show their frustration.”
“Because the company refused to raise wages, the union members started to work to rule until management agreed to negotiate.”
“In a calculated display of defiance, the employees began to work to rule, ensuring that every minor regulation was followed with such precision that productivity ground to a halt.”
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as a rule
In general; most often.
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bright-line rule
A clear-cut rule, so that it is easy to make a decision.
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busy work
Work or activity performed with the intention or result of occupying time, and not necessarily to accomplish something productive; routine work of low priority undertaken for the sake of avoiding idleness.
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close enough for government work
Adequate; acceptable as government work, imperfect but not worth the time nor effort of improving.
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crazy enough to work
Acknowledging that an idea, plan, or strategy seems foolish, implausible, or risky, yet might succeed precisely because of its unconventional or unexpected nature.
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detective work
investigative research
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dirty work
One or more unpleasant tasks, assignments, or employment duties, especially those of a disreputable or illicit nature.
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do the work
To take part in social justice activism; to fight against racism, oppression, etc.
Last updated August 10, 2026