ground rule

American  

noun

1. Usually ground rules. basic or governing principles of conduct in any situation or field of endeavor.

   the ground rules of press conferences.

2. Sports.  any of certain rules specially adopted, as in baseball and softball, for dealing with situations or circumstances arising chiefly from the particular nature of the playing area or the interference of spectators.

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ground rule British  

noun

1. a procedural rule or principle

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Etymology

Origin of ground rule

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

"I think it gets some basic ground rules in place but of course, it does depend on the attitude of the tech platforms adopting the practical guidance put forward," she said.

From BBC

Before you begin, you need to set ground rules, like no crosstalk or fingerpointing or bad language or namecalling etc.

From MarketWatch

But instead of allowing Straw and Barger to score, the play was ruled to be a ground rule double,, external putting the runners on second and third.

From BBC

“All the ground rules for 50 years are either being overturned or are at risk of being overturned.”

From Los Angeles Times

My mother did not live long enough to see all this happen, but even though I broke a few ground rules, I think she would be pleased with how it all worked out.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• code
• guidance
• instruction
• protocol
• rule