Enter a clue or pattern or both:
The Clue
Criterion for making a decision (9 letter answer)
The Answer
GUIDELINE
Tags
Notes
The answer GUIDELINE is so rare that it appears less than once every 2500 puzzles.
Definition
GUIDELINE as a noun:
1. a light line that is used in lettering to help align the letters
2. (road map, guideline) = a detailed plan or explanation to guide you in setting standards or determining a course of action; "the president said he had a road map for normalizing relations with Vietnam"
3. (guidepost, guideline, rule of thumb) = a rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior