unwritten law
nounUK /ʌnˈrɪtən lɔː/
US /ʌnˈrɪtən lɔː/
A rule that everyone follows even though it is not written down.
Waiting your turn in line is an unwritten law in our school.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A rule based on long-standing custom rather than official written laws.
In many villages, sharing water is an unwritten law.
3. A principle accepted by general agreement but never formally recorded.
Being kind to newcomers is an unwritten law of the neighborhood.
4. In law, a rule derived from court decisions and custom rather than statutes.
The judge relied on unwritten law to settle the dispute.