go through channels

Idioms  

1. Use the correct procedure, especially in a hierarchy or bureaucracy. For example, You'll have to go through channels for approval of this expenditure. This term uses channel in the sense of “a conduit.” [Mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

Did you expect that it would go through channels?

From MSNBC • Aug. 18, 2018

This was informal confirmation, and now he wanted to go through channels to get official documentation to add to the evidence against KSM.

From New York Times • Jan. 20, 2011

This was informal confirmation, and now he wanted to go through channels to get official documentation to add to the evidence against K.S.M.

From New York Times • Jan. 20, 2011

She’s trying her best to document, go through channels.

From Los Angeles Times

From Goodpaster the papers go through channels to appropriate officials, both on the staff and in the departments or agencies, for analysis and comment.

From Time Magazine Archive