by the book

1. According to established rules: “The inspector will be visiting the factory today, so let's make sure we do everything by the book.”

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

The source added that the raid has shaken a company that has always tried to operate by the book and that, despite its exponential growth in recent years, has sought to maintain a close-knit feel.

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement issued earlier in July, Ms Winn stood by the book's description of how they came to lose their house saying the dispute with the Hemmings did not result in her and her husband losing their home.

From BBC

He added that Glass House is “the largest cannabis cultivator in the world” and “a highly regulated business fully licensed by the state of California. It’s run by a guy named Kyle Kazan, who is an ex-cop who plays by the rules and does things by the book.”

From Los Angeles Times

The publicity generated by the book has forced senior Democrats to field questions on why they did not do more to respond to Americans' concerns about Biden's health as he campaigned for re-election.

From BBC

Related Words

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