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

A balanced portfolio in your mid-70s means allocating 40% to 50% to bonds, if you’re playing your septuagenarian retirement planning by the book.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 2, 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

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

From Salon ● Sep. 2, 2025

And I know that even if something like that were to take place, we’re going to do everything by the book, and we’re going to maximize that to the best of our ability.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 11, 2025

When her father saw how she was transfixed by the book, he allowed her to skip Ana and Clara’s lessons with Lady Isobel.

From "Ash" by Malinda Lo

Related Words

• binding
• demanding
• draconian
• exacting
• forceful
• harsh
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• rigorous
• severe
• stiff
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