Definition of the word rule off

The phrase "rule off" is commonly used in academics and office settings to denote the process of separating or removing a portion of a document that has been written or printed but is not required for the final product. It is typically applied to rough drafts, outlines, or notes that contain extraneous information or details and need to be edited or discarded before the final version is completed. The expression "rule off" is derived from the historical use of accounting forms called "rules" or "line rules" that were used to separate financial data in ledgers or other documents. These rulings, created by vertical lines drawn with special rulers, demarcated individual accounts and financial transactions, making it easier for accountants to add, subtract, and balance them. In the modern context, the evolution of the "rule off" phrase has extended to the more generic meaning referenced above, highlighting its versatility as a common idiom in daily language.