Definition
In strict accordance with the rules, especially of card games; in the proper or expected manner.
Origins
Named after Edmond Hoyle (1672–1769), an early author on the subject of card gaming.
In Context
- "This isn't a country where things are cut and dried, and done according to Hoyle."
- "When you're lost in the Wild, and you're scared as a child, / And Death looks you bang in the eye, / And you're sore as a boil, it's according to Hoyle / To cock your revolver and . . . die."
- "The opening round of the Presidents' Athletic Conference men's basketball tournament went according to Hoyle."
- "To be perfectly honest, I wasn't sure he was playing strictly according to Hoyle, but we'll leave it, since the poor chap's missing."