by the book

Cultural  

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

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by the book Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

by the book

You’re doing pretty much everything by the book.

From MarketWatch ● May 14, 2026

But if you do this, you must do it right—professionally, with restraint, by the book, in the full spirit of the law.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 29, 2026

The company, which underwent several acquisitions, including by the book retailer Barnes & Noble, was later renamed GameStop.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 16, 2026

While the process of finding a permanent replacement for Justin Welby has taken time, it has all been done by the book, and the choice has been welcomed by many, though not all.

From BBC ● Dec. 24, 2025

But in the beginning, Marina felt she had to play strictly by the book.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Related Words

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