by the book

See also: by-the-book

English

Alternative forms

• by-the-book (attributive)

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Prepositional phrase

by the book

1. (idiomatic) In a manner which adheres strictly to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.
   • 2006, Simon Robinson, "It's Not Just Cricket," Time, 27 Aug.,

     As far as he is concerned, he umpired by the book.

Translations

by the book

• French: à la lettre (fr), au pied de la lettre (fr), littéralement (fr)
• (deprecated template usage) {{trans-mid}}
• Spanish: a toda ley

See also

• by the numbers
• according to Hoyle
• legalism
• literalism
• proceduralism
• to the letter
• shipshape and Bristol fashion

Further reading

• “by the book”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.