golden rule

[gohl-duhn rool]

noun

1. a rule of ethical conduct, usually phrased “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” paraphrased from the Sermon on the Mount in the New Testament.

2. any philosophy, guiding principle, or ideal of behavior, as in a discipline, pursuit, or business.

   The protesters agreed that their golden rule would be “no violence.”

golden rule

noun

1. any of a number of rules of fair conduct, such as Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them (Matthew 7:12) or thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Leviticus 19:28)

2. any important principle

   a golden rule of sailing is to wear a life jacket

3. the principle advocated by Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown (in office 1997–2007) that a government should only borrow to invest

4. another name for rule of three

Word History and Origins

Origin of golden rule¹

First recorded in 1550–60

Idioms and Phrases

see under do unto others.

Example Sentences

Mr Bloom said the golden rule for endowment finance was that universities should not spend more than 5% of their total endowment each year.

From BBC

After living in Southeast Asia for nearly seven years, I go by the golden rule: If you see pandan on a menu, order it.

From Salon

"The golden rule: treat others as you'd like to be treated," Ms Windsor adds.

From BBC

Green belt development must comply with new "golden rules", which require developers to prioritise necessary infrastructure, such as nurseries and GP surgeries, as well as guarantee affordable housing and access to green spaces.

From BBC

So I think the bottom line is, I try to live my life by the golden rule, that’s what I’ve always been taught.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assumption 
• basis 
• convention 
• doctrine 
• ethic 
• foundation 
• fundamental 
• precept 
• proposition 
• regulation 
• rule 
• truth