English Phrase of the Day

Definitions

English > English
rule out
1. v. To cross an item out by drawing a straight line through it, as with a ruler.
2. v. (idiomatic, transitive) To reject an option from a list of possibilities.
As John Doe had an alibi, the police were able to rule him out as a suspect.
3. v. (idiomatic, transitive) To make something impossible.
The constant rain ruled out any chance of a game of tennis.
4. v. To disallow.
5. v. To make unavailable.
Analysis
rule		©
1. n. A regulation, law, guideline.
All participants must adhere to the rules.
2. n. A ruler; device for measuring, a straightedge, a measure.
3. n. A straight line (continuous mark, as made by a pen or the like), especially one lying across a paper as a guide for writing.
4. n. A regulating principle.
out		©
See also individual phrasal verbs such as come out, go out, put out, take out, pull out, and so on.
1. adv. Away from the inside or the centre.
The magician pulled the rabbit out of the hat.
2. adv. Away from home or one's usual place.
Let's eat out tonight

Example Sentences

I suppose we can rule out avocadoes.  Its entirely self-conscious stance precludes sincerity, sentiment, emoting of any kind, and thus has to rule out the existence of ultimate truth or moral certainty.

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