letter of the law

Idioms  

1. 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

Yoon denied the charges, arguing that the arrest warrant itself was invalid and that the letter of the law does not require him to consult every member of the cabinet before exercising emergency power.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

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

From what you say, your father’s attorney did his due diligence and followed the letter of the law.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 23, 2025

“If anyone tried to live by the letter of the law, it was me,” he said later, in an interview published by the Ambassador Report.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady