The idiom "work to rule" comes from labor union tactics, where workers follow the exact rules and procedures outlined in their contract, often resulting in a slowdown in productivity or a work stoppage. It has been in use since at least the 20th century. It is used to describe a specific type of labor protest or tactic, where workers deliberately slow down their work by adhering strictly to the rules and procedures outlined in their contract.

What is the origin of the idiom "work to rule" and when to use it?

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work to rule

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The idiom "work to rule" comes from labor union tactics, where workers follow the exact rules and procedures outlined in their contract, often resulting in a slowdown in productivity or a work stoppage. It has been in use since at least the 20th century. This phrase is used to describe a situation where workers follow only the exact rules and procedures outlined in their contract, rather than going above and beyond or using discretion.

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to [work] to rule

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Definition und Bedeutung von „work to rule“ im Englischen

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