bright-line rule

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

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Noun

bright-line rule (plural bright-line rules)

1. (idiomatic) A clear-cut, easy to make a decision.
2. (law) A clearly defined rule or standard, composed of objective factors, which leaves little or no room for varying interpretation.

Related terms

• bright line

References

• Language Log. (Discussion of the phrase, with examples and history)