How to Pronounce "a grandfather clause"

expression

uh GRAND-fah-thur klawz

uh GRAND-fah-thuh klawz

Definition

A grandfather clause is a rule that allows people or things to keep following an old law, even after a new law is created. It usually protects someone from having to meet new requirements if they already followed the old ones.

IPA Transcription

American English

ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɡɹænˌfɑðɝ/, /ˈɡɹændˌfɑðɝ/ /ˈkɫɔz

British English

æɪ/ /ɡɹˈændfɑːðɐ/ /klˈɔːz

Simplified Pronunciation

uh GRAND-fah-thur klawz

uh GRAND-fah-thuh klawz

Listen in Context

The old apartment building is allowed to stay because of a grandfather clause.

Thanks to a grandfather clause, I can keep my old phone plan.

New employees don't get the bonus, but those hired last year have a grandfather clause.

Our business still operates late hours, thanks to a grandfather clause from when we opened in 1995.