must-stay rule

noun

UK /ˈmʌst steɪ ruːl/

US /ˈmʌst steɪ ruːl/

A must-stay rule is a rule that says you have to stay in a place and cannot leave.

The teacher made a must-stay rule so nobody wanders off during the trip.

SYNONYMS

stay-put rule no-leaving rule confinement rule mandatory stay rule

RELATED WORDS

rule stay restriction curfew detention

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A rule in a game that forces a player to remain in one spot.

In this board game, landing on the red square means a must-stay rule for one turn.

3. A workplace policy requiring employees to remain on the premises during a shift.

The factory introduced a must-stay rule for safety during the night shift.

4. A hospital guideline that keeps a patient in bed or in the ward.

After surgery, the doctor applied a must-stay rule until the patient recovered.