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. Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31.
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. See rule of three
   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

A version of the Golden Rule is at the heart of every religion.

From The Daily Beast

It is a bet that the existence of the Golden Rule in almost every major religion is no cosmic coincidence.

From The Daily Beast

“The new golden rule of democracy in Egypt has to be that the judiciary is completely independent,” says Abdellatty.

From The Daily Beast

If he had, he would know the golden rule of being interviewed by the police: ask for a lawyer and say nothing.

From The Daily Beast

Their golden rule is moderation—especially in the good things.

From The Daily Beast

He set down as the second the golden rule, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them.”

From Project Gutenberg

We should like very much to do business according to the Golden Rule.

From Project Gutenberg

In another connection, we had the benefit of the advantageous side of the Golden Rule.

From Project Gutenberg

Emerson's word fell like truth itself, "a shaft of light shot from the zenith," a golden rule of thought and action.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence the golden rule which follows, and hence its connection with the prayer-charter by the word "therefore."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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