1
general::
Phrase(s): rule someone or something out
to prevent, disqualify, overrule, or cancel someone or something. • John’s bad temper rules him out for the job. • The rainy weather ruled out a picnic for the weekend.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Eliminate from consideration, exclude, as in The option of starting over again has been ruled out. [Second half of 1800s] 2. Prevent, make impossible, as in The snowstorm ruled out our weekly rehearsal. [First half of 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms