rule of the road

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rule of the road¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

“I think we need to develop an international rule of the road where if a nation doesn’t take action against cyber groups operating on its soil, we hold that nation responsible, which means we sanction that nation, which means we use that nation’s resources to indemnify against any losses,” Mr. Schiff said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

From Washington Times

“It’s better if you call out the norm — the rule of the road — that’s violated when you take action,” he said.

From Washington Post

It’s a fundamental rule of the road: driver picks the music.

From The Verge

Though we hope the increased punishment gets more people to obey the law, considerate and cautious driving should always be a rule of the road.

From Washington Times

China’s reliance on military muscle to achieve its goals “is not a way to make long-term collaboration the rule of the road in a region that’s important to China’s future,” Mattis said, when asked to elaborate.

From Seattle Times