sympathyrule
nounA sympathy rule is a special rule that says you should be kind and nice to someone who is sad or having a hard time.
When Ben lost his toy, the teacher used the sympathy rule and let him pick a new one from the prize box.
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OTHER MEANINGS
2. A rule in a game or contest that lets a losing or struggling player have an easier turn.
The sympathy rule gave the youngest player an extra roll of the dice.
3. A guideline that says people should show understanding instead of punishment when someone makes a mistake because they are upset.
Under the sympathy rule, the coach did not bench the player who missed practice after his dog got sick.
4. An informal policy of giving extra help or time to someone who is grieving or unwell.
The office sympathy rule let Maria take the afternoon off after the funeral.