spareguideline
nounUK /spɛəˈɡaɪdlaɪn/
US /spɛrˈɡaɪdlaɪn/
A spare guideline is an extra rule you can use if the first rule does not work.
The teacher gave us a spareguideline in case we forgot the main one.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A guideline kept in reserve for emergencies or special cases.
Keep the spareguideline handy in case the power goes out.
3. An optional suggestion that supports the main rule.
The spareguideline says we can take a short break if we finish early.
4. A second set of directions used when the usual directions are unclear.
When the map failed, we followed the spareguideline from the guidebook.