How to Pronounce "work to rule"
expression
ˈwɝk/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈɹuɫ
WURK-tuh-ROOL
wˈɜːk/ /tˈuː/ /ɹˈuːl
WURK-tuh-ROOL
Definition
A form of protest by employees where they strictly follow all workplace rules and regulations, often slowing down work because normal shortcuts are not taken. It's used to pressure management without an official strike.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈwɝk/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈɹuɫ
British English
wˈɜːk/ /tˈuː/ /ɹˈuːl
Simplified Pronunciation
US
WURK-tuh-ROOL
UK
WURK-tuh-ROOL
Listen in Context
The workers decided to work to rule after the company refused to negotiate.
When employees work to rule, productivity often drops significantly.
They began to work to rule to protest unsafe conditions.
During the dispute, the train drivers chose to work to rule instead of striking.