Verb
play by the rules (third-person singular simple present plays by the rules, present participle playing by the rules, simple past and past participle played by the rules)
to do what is expected.
Synonym: play the game
Chess helps you to concentrate, improve your logic. It teaches you to play by the rules and take responsibility for your actions, how to problem solve in an uncertain environment. Garry Kasparov
The perennial conviction that those who work hard and play by the rules will be rewarded with a more comfortable present and a stronger future for their children faces assault from just about every direction. That great enemy of democratic capitalism, economic inequality, is real and growing. Jon Meacham
I am the common man. I'm polite, I love my family and I play by the rules. And sometimes I get pushed around. That's my lifestyle, and that's what I try to bring to characters. Eugene Levy
The way to deal with China would have been a broad coalition of countries that play by the rules. Instead, we've conveyed the message that big countries don't need no rules. And China is a very big country. Paul Krugman
The whole idea of equal justice under law means that you've got to play by the rules. It has nothing to do with the underlying subject matter. You just tell the truth. Ken Starr
I will forever stick up for Catholics and Christians in general. With a small number of very horrible exceptions, they do play by the rules. Penn Jillette