by the book

1. According to established rules: “The inspector will be visiting the factory today, so let's make sure we do everything by the book.”

Idioms and Phrases

Strictly according to the rules, as in Our trip leader is going by the book, allowing us to wander off only for short periods. Shakespeare already used the term figuratively in Romeo and Juliet (1:5): “You kiss by the book.” Also see by the numbers.

Related Words

• binding 
• demanding 
• draconian 
• exacting 
• forceful 
• harsh 
• inflexible 
• ironclad 
• rigorous 
• severe 
• stiff 
• strict 
• tough