Follow rules, avoid trouble.

Meaning: This means to obey the rules and guidelines in order to avoid getting into trouble or facing difficulties.

Choice of Words: Follow means to comply with or obey, rules are established guidelines or principles, avoid means to stay away from or prevent something from happening, trouble means difficulty or problems. When you put them together, "Follow rules, avoid trouble" is a phrase used to advise someone to comply with established guidelines or principles in order to prevent difficulties or problems.

Alternative Expressions

Listen to the boss, stay out of jail.

Meaning: This means to do what your boss says and to avoid doing anything that could get you arrested. It's like saying, Do what your boss tells you to do and don't do anything that could get you into trouble with the police.

Choice of Words: Listen means to pay attention to what someone is saying. Boss is someone who is in charge of others. Stay out means to not enter or go into a place. Jail is a place where people are kept as punishment for breaking the law. When you put them together, "Listen to the boss, stay out of jail" is a warning telling you to do what your boss says so that you don't get into trouble with the law.

Do what you're told, don't get in trouble.

Meaning: This means to listen to what you're told and to avoid doing anything that could cause problems. It's like saying, Listen to what you're told and don't do anything that could get you into trouble.

Choice of Words: Do means to carry out an action. What you're told means to follow instructions or directions. Don't get means to avoid or prevent something from happening. Trouble means problems or difficulties. When you put them together, "Do what you're told, don't get in trouble" is a simple piece of advice telling you to listen to what you're told and to do what's right so that you don't get into trouble.

Related Expressions