golden rule
Americannoun
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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.
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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.”
noun
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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)
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any important principle
a golden rule of sailing is to wear a life jacket
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the principle advocated by Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown (in office 1997–2007) that a government should only borrow to invest
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another name for rule of three
Etymology
Origin of golden rule
First recorded in 1550–60
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.
The golden rule of credit-card spending is to pay off your balance every month.
From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026
Papperger had broken a golden rule of dealing with the U.S. government: Never announce anything related to the sharing of technology without first getting approval.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 29, 2025
Historically, the game has followed a golden rule.
From Slate • Nov. 18, 2025
The golden rule of gift-giving etiquette is to avoid religion, politics and sex,” said Richie Frieman, an expert on work manners.
From Salon • Dec. 9, 2024
And let us never forget John Bunyan's golden rule: "He that would live well, let him make his dying day his company-keeper."
From Practical Religion Being Plain Papers on the Daily Duties, Experience, Dangers, and Privileges of Professing Christians by Ryle, John Charles
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.
