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arbitrary rules

[ˈɑːrbɪtreri ruːlz]
noun phrase
regras arbitrárias
1. Rules or regulations that are based on random choice or personal whim rather than reason or system; rules that lack a rational or fair basis
The company imposed arbitrary rules about dress code without consulting employees.
A empresa impôs regras arbitrárias sobre o código de vestiário sem consultar os funcionários.
2. Standards or guidelines established by authority without logical justification or consistency
Students complained about the arbitrary rules set by the new principal.
Os alunos reclamaram das regras arbitrárias estabelecidas pelo novo diretor.
Synonyms
capricious rulesrandom rulesunreasonable rulesunjustified ruleswhimsical rules
Antonyms
fair rulesrational rulesjustified ruleslogical rulesreasonable rules

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
regras arbitrárias
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
regras arbitrárias / regras sem pé nem cabeça
May use colloquial expression meaning rules without logic
São Paulo
regras arbitrárias
Standard formal usage
Portugal
regras arbitrárias / regras injustificadas
European Portuguese may emphasize unjustified nature

Related Idioms & Phrases

rules of the game
bend the rules
play by the rules
throw the rule book out the window
follow suit
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