golden rule

[ gohl-duhn rool ]

/ ˈgoʊl dən ˈrul /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for golden rule on Thesaurus.com

noun

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.

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.”

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of golden rule

First recorded in 1550–60

Words nearby golden rule

golden rain tree, golden ratio, golden retriever, goldenrod, golden rose, golden rule, goldenseal, golden section, golden share, golden shiner, golden shower

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use golden rule in a sentence

A version of the Golden Rule is at the heart of every religion.
A Victory for ‘Religious Freedom’ is a Loss for Religion|Gene Robinson|June 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It is a bet that the existence of the Golden Rule in almost every major religion is no cosmic coincidence.
Hope and Change in the Vatican|Jon Favreau|January 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“The new golden rule of democracy in Egypt has to be that the judiciary is completely independent,” says Abdellatty.
Canadians in Egyptian Jail Might Be Under Suspicion For Film Footage|Jesse Rosenfeld|October 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
If he had, he would know the golden rule of being interviewed by the police: ask for a lawyer and say nothing.
The Real Bling Ring: Where Are They Now?|Tricia Romano|May 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Their golden rule is moderation—especially in the good things.
A New Guide to Parisian Style|Rebecca Benhamou|March 3, 2013|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.”
The Giant of the North|R.M. Ballantyne
We should like very much to do business according to the Golden Rule.
By the Christmas Fire|Samuel McChord Crothers
In another connection, we had the benefit of the advantageous side of the Golden Rule.
Paris Vistas|Helen Davenport Gibbons
Emerson's word fell like truth itself, "a shaft of light shot from the zenith," a golden rule of thought and action.
The Poems of Emma Lazarus|Emma Lazarus
Hence the golden rule which follows, and hence its connection with the prayer-charter by the word "therefore."
Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of Matthew|John Monro Gibson

British Dictionary definitions for golden rule

golden rule

noun

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)

any important principlea golden rule of sailing is to wear a life jacket

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

another name for rule of three

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with golden rule

golden rule

see under do unto others.

golden rule

Origin of golden rule

Words nearby golden rule

Words related to golden rule

How to use golden rule in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for golden rule

Other Idioms and Phrases with golden rule