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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]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Los Angeles Times

Did you expect that it would go through channels?

From MSNBC

If I were the CEO, I would advise you to go through channels as other disgruntled coworkers do.

From New York Times

But failing to go through channels on a thinly sourced story — the substance of which has not been proved wrong?

From Washington Post

Would I have loved to have been able to go through channels to sit down with everyone, with their permission?

From Washington Post