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uphold rules

[ʌpˈhoʊld ruːlz]
verb phrase
manter/defender as regras
1. to support, maintain, or enforce rules or regulations; to keep rules in effect and ensure compliance
The referee must uphold the rules of the game.
O árbitro deve manter as regras do jogo.
2. to defend or sustain the validity or importance of rules
Teachers uphold rules to create a safe classroom environment.
Os professores defendem as regras para criar um ambiente seguro na sala de aula.
NYC Slang
keep it tight; play by the rules
Synonyms
enforce rulesmaintain rulessupport rulesdefend rulessustain rulesstick to rules
Antonyms
break rulesviolate rulesdisregard rulesignore rulesflout rules

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
manter as regras; defender as regras
Most common usage in Brazil
São Paulo
cumprir as regras; manter as regras
Emphasis on compliance and adherence
Portugal
defender as regras; manter as regras
Formal and legal contexts prefer 'defender'

Related Idioms & Phrases

by the book
follow suit
toe the line
stick to the rules
play fair
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