rule of the road

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. any of the regulations concerning the safe handling of vessels under way with respect to one another, imposed by a government on ships in its own waters or upon its own ships on the high seas.

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Etymology

Origin of rule of the road

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The rule of the road is you never attack down, you always attack up.

From New York Times • Oct. 8, 2010

The most important rule of the road, however, is never — Baker looked me in the eye — eat in the venue, even if they invite you.

From New York Times • Aug. 6, 2010

The rule of the road requires that line to be kept on the left, except when passing a vehicle in front.

From Time Magazine Archive

And that's a rule of the road in Washington and Austin alike.

From Time Magazine Archive

Some are hard and fast rules, like the rule of the road, which cannot be broken without danger to life and limb.

From Leaves in the Wind by Gardiner, A. G. (Alfred George)