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letter of the law

Idioms

The precise wording rather than the spirit or intent. For example, Since it was the first time he'd broken the rules, the school decided to ignore the letter of the law and just give him a warning. [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Skeptics say the new rules illustrate the security risks inherent in approving the exports and that following them to the letter of the law might mean no shipments get approved.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

He wants to punish those who speak out against him, who present cases against him and who, in doing their jobs to the letter of the law, go against his wishes.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

"The world is shrewd enough to know the difference between following the letter of the law and using the law as a tool of influence," he wrote.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

And let the letter of the law take its course.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 21, 2025

His elaborate ruse worked, even though Washington was certainly breaking the letter of the law.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023