ENGLISH
REFERENCE

to the letter

idiom
Meaning

Literally, exactly, following the rules as written.


Examples
SIMPLE

Follow the instructions to the letter.

CONTEXTUAL

The chef followed the secret recipe to the letter to ensure the dish tasted perfect.

COMPLEX

Although the legal contract was incredibly long and complex, the firm insisted that every employee adhere to its terms to the letter.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    poison-pen letter

    A missive which is malicious, insulting, and/or defamatory toward a person, organization, or point of view, especially one which is unsigned.

  2. 02

    red letter day

    A particularly significant day; a day of personal or sectarian celebration.

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