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

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