according to Hoyle: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘according to Hoyle’ mean?
The idiom "according to Hoyle" means to do something in a proper or correct way, following established rules or guidelines.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning in the way that something is done or in a particular style.
The idiom "lay down the law" means to establish strict rules or regulations, or to assert authority and enforce compliance.
The idiom "horses for courses" means that different people or things are suited to different tasks or situations.
The idiom "go with" means to accompany or choose something/someone, often in a romantic or social context. It can also mean to be compatible or harmonious with something/someone. The specific meaning depends on the context of its usage.
The idiom "go along with" means to agree or accept something, often reluctantly or without enthusiasm.
The idiom "go along to get along" means to conform or agree with others in order to avoid conflict or maintain harmony, often sacrificing personal opinions or beliefs.
The idiom "for the book" means to do something exactly as it should be done, following all rules and guidelines. It suggests a strict adherence to the prescribed processes or standards.
The idiom "follow suit" means to imitate or do the same thing that someone else has done. It originated from the card game of Bridge, where players are required to play a card of the same suit as the one led by the player before them.
The idiom "fall in line" means to conform or comply with rules or expectations. It implies following a prescribed order or obeying authority.
The idiom "fair and square" means to be honest, just, and without any cheating or trickery involved. It refers to a situation or outcome that is completely unbiased and follows the rules or agreed-upon terms.
Decoding Hoyle's Authority
The idiom "according to Hoyle" is believed to have originated from the writings of Edmond Hoyle, a well-known authority on card games in the 18th century.
This idiom is used to indicate adherence to established rules or accepted principles. It suggests a sense of legitimacy and authority, as if the rules being followed are universally recognized and respected.
The idiom is commonly used in contexts related to gambling and card games, considering its connection to Edmond Hoyle, who was renowned for his expertise in card game rules and strategies.
Interestingly, the idiom "according to Hoyle" has endured over the centuries, despite Edmond Hoyle himself being relatively unknown to the general public today.
Furthermore, the idiom is frequently used in a figurative sense beyond the realm of card games. It has become a metaphorical expression referring to any situation where strict adherence to established rules and standards is emphasized or expected.
This popularity of the idiom indicates the lasting impact and influence of Edmond Hoyle on the world of card games and the subsequent integration of his name into the English language.
The idiom "according to Hoyle" is rooted in the world of card games and gambling. It signifies adherence to established rules and principles and is often used metaphorically to emphasize precision and reliability.
The idiom's connection to Edmond Hoyle and his expertise in card games has contributed to its enduring popularity. While the idiom may have originated in a specific context, its usage has expanded to encompass a broader range of scenarios.
Another related idiom is "with the manner". This phrase conveys the notion of doing something with precision and following the proper method. It shares similarities to the idiom "according to Hoyle" as both imply adherence to established rules and standards.
Similarly, the idiom "as a rule" is related to "according to Hoyle" in that it suggests adherence to a standard or guideline. It implies that the indicated action is regularly followed or expected in a given situation.
Another related idiom is "by-the-book" or "by the book". This phrase indicates strict adherence to established rules and procedures, aligning with the meaning of "according to Hoyle". Both idioms convey the idea of following a set of rules meticulously and with precision.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "according to Hoyle" can be used in a sentence:
- "We played poker according to Hoyle, following all the official rules of the game."
- "The chef prepared the recipe according to Hoyle, using all the specified ingredients and measurements."
- "He conducted the experiment according to Hoyle, ensuring that every step was done precisely as stated in the scientific method."
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