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general::
Phrase(s): as a (general) rule
usually; almost always. • He can be found in his office as a general rule. • As a general rule, Jane plays golf on Wednesdays. • As a rule, things tend to get less busy after supper time., Phrase(s): as a rule
in general; usually. • As a rule, men should wear tuxedos at formal dinners. • As a rule, the bus picks me up at 7:30 every morning.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs