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by rights

Idioms

Justly, in fairness, as in By rights he should have been chosen first. Originally put as by right, this term was first recorded about 1315.

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.

Minister of intelligence since 2021, he was accused by rights groups of playing a key role in the suppression of protests.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

As mayor he was criticised by rights groups for using the police against street vendors in a heavy-handed manner, as he worked to keep roads clear in the capital and crack down on unlicensed businesses.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

"Enough with the lies," she exclaimed, alluding to the figures issued by rights groups.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

The move has been criticised by rights groups, and came despite a temporary block issued by a judge.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2025

"It is not yours to give. It is mine by rights."

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023