defy the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

"defy the rules" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express that someone is going against or rejecting a set of rules. For example: "John refused to follow the school's uniform policy and decided to defy the rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

We'll just have to defy the rules.

The Guardian - Books

In any case, many people leave their phones on, or simply defy the rules.

The Economist

But many women defy the rules, especially the one about long boots.

The New York Times

Even so, adding a family of actors seems to defy the rules of staging.

The New York Times

But at least a half-dozen states are threatening to defy the rules and move their primaries.

The New York Times

But at least a half dozen states are threatening to defy the rules and move up their primaries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Gleefully threatening to defy the rule of law — the law he vowed to uphold as governor — is inexcusable.

The New York Times

Those who defy the rule on a certain MSNBC weekend program do so at the risk of interruption and shaming.

The Washington Post

But as long as there's a rule, we need to support it or at least enforce it, not to defy the rule or misinterpret the rule".

The New York Times

This picture illustrates what happens to those who defy the rule of law and how far our government and people will go to preserve it.

The New York Times

If the New Jersey Supreme Court calls for the state to finance education at the level required by its own formula, Mr. Christie will have to comply — unless he wants to defy the rule of law and the American system of government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defy the rules", ensure the context makes clear which specific rules are being defied and what the consequences or implications might be.

Common error

Avoid using "defy the rules" when the situation involves minor deviations or unintentional errors. The phrase implies a conscious and significant act of rebellion or non-compliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defy the rules" functions as a verb phrase, with "defy" acting as the verb and "the rules" as the direct object. This construction indicates an action taken against established regulations. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defy the rules" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of resisting or disobeying established regulations or norms. As indicated by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of opposition or non-compliance. While alternatives like "challenge the rules" or "break the rules" exist, the specific choice depends on the nuances of the situation. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the defied rules and their consequences is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break the rules

A general term for not following the rules, often implying a sense of wrongdoing.

violate the rules

Indicates a direct and often punishable breaking of the rules.

challenge the rules

Suggests questioning or disputing the validity or fairness of the rules.

circumvent the rules

Means to find a way around the rules, typically without technically breaking them.

evade the rules

Implies cleverly avoiding the rules without directly confronting them.

flout the rules

Suggests openly and shamelessly disregarding the rules.

disregard the rules

Similar to ignoring, but may imply a more conscious decision to not follow the rules.

shirk the rules

Focuses on avoiding responsibilities or duties dictated by the rules.

transgress the rules

A more formal or serious term for violating the rules, often implying a moral or ethical breach.

ignore the rules

Simply means to pay no attention to the rules, often implying a lack of respect or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "defy the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "defy the rules" to describe someone who goes against established regulations or conventions, such as, "The artist chose to "defy the rules" of traditional portraiture with her unconventional techniques."

What is a good alternative to "defy the rules"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "challenge the rules", "break the rules", or "disregard the rules".

When is it appropriate to use "defy the rules" in writing?

Use "defy the rules" when you want to emphasize a deliberate act of non-compliance or rebellion against established norms. This phrase is suitable when the act is significant and intentional.

What's the difference between ""defy the rules"" and "bend the rules"?

"Defy the rules" implies a direct and open act of disobedience, while "bend the rules" suggests a more subtle or flexible interpretation of the rules to gain an advantage without outright breaking them.