# by the book

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/by-the-book
Updated: 2026-07-14

## Meaning

To do things according to the rules or the law.

## Examples

- The new manager always does everything by the book.
- The police officer followed every procedure by the book to ensure the evidence would be accepted in court.
- Although the young lawyer wanted to take a shortcut, his mentor insisted they handle the entire merger by the book to avoid any future legal challenges.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.