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.

Example Sentences

“We did everything by the book.”

From Los Angeles Times

“EVERY ‘I’ was dotted and ‘t’ was crossed 1000% by the book without exception.”

From Salon

“I still stand by the book and learned so much about myself during the process of it,” Price said.

From Salon

The source added that the raid has shaken a company that has always tried to operate by the book and that, despite its exponential growth in recent years, has sought to maintain a close-knit feel.

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement issued earlier in July, Ms Winn stood by the book's description of how they came to lose their house saying the dispute with the Hemmings did not result in her and her husband losing their home.

From BBC

Related Words

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