Society, Law & Politics - According to Rules

Discover how English idioms like "by the book" and "in the clear" relate to being in accordance with the rules in English.

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English idioms related to Society, Law & Politics

in the clear

[phrase]

used to say that one is free from suspicion or danger of wrongdoing

Ex: After the audit, the manager was in the clear.

on the case

[phrase]

used to refer to a situation in which one is taking legal action to solve a problem or crime

Ex: The police are on the case and should find the thief soon.

the (long) arm of the law

[phrase]

used to refer to the ability of the legal system and police to enforce justice and punish criminals

Ex: He fled the country, but the long arm of the law eventually caught him.

the third degree

[phrase]

a tough and forceful way of questioning someone in order to make them reveal information or admit to something, often using harsh methods

Ex: The police gave him the third degree until he admitted where he had been.

behind bars

[Adverb]

used to refer to someone who is imprisoned or serving time in prison

Ex: After the trial, he spent ten years behind bars.

to be in for

[phrase]

to be in risk of receiving punishment or getting into trouble

Ex: If your parents find out, you're in for serious trouble.

by the book

[phrase]

strictly adhering to established rules, procedures, or standardized practices

Ex: The inspector made sure everything was done by the book.

dos and don'ts

[phrase]

rules that determine what one should or should not do in a particular situation

Ex: Before your first day, read the company's dos and don'ts.

green light

[noun]

approval to begin a project

Ex: The board finally gave us the green light to launch the project.

rule of thumb

[phrase]

a method or principle solely based on experience, which may not be completely accurate

Ex: As a rule of thumb, we should save at least ten percent of our income.

in one's crosshairs

[phrase]

used to describe people who are easily targeted for criticism or are attracting significant negative attention

Ex: After the scandal, the CEO was in the media's crosshairs.

guilty as charged

[phrase]

used to admit that the accusations or charges against one are true

Ex: You ate the last slice of cake, didn't you? Guilty as charged.

clean bill of health

[phrase]

a statement indicating that something is safe and free of any defects or problems

Ex: The inspector gave the building a clean bill of health after the safety check.

Society, Law & Politics
According to Rules	Defying Norms	Justice	Injustice
Politics	Political Issues	Punishment	Society
Social Class	Social Norms & Conformity	Leaving or Escaping	Fraud & Swindle

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