one-per-person rule

noun phrase

UK /wʌn pɜː ˈpɜːsən ruːl/

US /wʌn pɜr ˈpɜrsən rul/

A rule that says each person can have only one of something.

The teacher made a one-per-person rule so everyone could get a turn on the swing.

SYNONYMS

single-item limit one-each policy individual limit one-per-head rule

RELATED WORDS

fairness limit share turn-taking quota

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A guideline at an event that each guest may take only one item from a shared supply.

At the party, the one-per-person rule kept the goodie bags from running out.

3. A policy in a store or sale that limits each customer to buying a single unit of a product.

The shop put a one-per-person rule on the limited-edition toy.

4. A classroom or game rule ensuring each player gets exactly one turn or piece.

During the board game, the one-per-person rule stopped anyone from grabbing two tokens.