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

“Initially, we stood by the book and Jerry,” Gerald said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 16, 2026

"If you look at the actions of Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager the previous week, he has done everything by the book," added backs coach Stick, 41.

From BBC ● Nov. 18, 2025

But it had also been suggested by the book that he had just taken out of the drawer.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Related Words

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