C2idiomwork
work to rule
USUK
to protest at work by doing only the tasks in your contract and nothing extra
British. A form of industrial action that slows work down without a strike. The noun is 'a work-to-rule'. American English prefers 'a slowdown'.
In context
The rail staff voted to work to rule from Monday, so many trains will run late.
Teachers began working to rule after the talks failed and stopped all unpaid after-school clubs.
More idioms about work
- a baptism of firea very difficult first experience of a new job or activity
- a cushy joba job that is easy and pleasant but still pays well
- a dead-end joba job with no chance of promotion or of learning anything new
- a jack of all tradesa person who can do many different kinds of work fairly well
- a labour of lovehard work that you do because you enjoy it or care about it, not for money