general rule
Americannoun
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As a general rule, the individual components of quantum machines become increasingly unruly as they grow larger, causing error rates to spike.
From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026
As a general rule of thumb: where eyeballs go, advertisers follow.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026
Many scholars question the fairness of vicarious liability in criminal cases, viewing it as an unwarranted exception to the general rule that criminal responsibility must be personal.
From Slate • Mar. 5, 2026
As a general rule she recommends leads and plugs stay in clear view.
From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025
And you must do it economy style, no motels, do your own cooking, as a general rule spend as little as possible and you will enjoy it much more immensely.
From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.