by the book
idiom
: by following the official rules very strictly
My boss insists on doing everything by the book.
Examples of by the book in a Sentence
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In a town that does things by the book, Urban is intent on trying new things, tinkering around with formula.
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Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 23 Dec. 2024
The inept Chief Inspector Mackintosh (Peter Kay) and up-and-coming copper Mukherjee (Lauren Patel) trying to carry out her investigation by the book complement the mishap-prone ensemble.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Linear progression comes to those who do things by the book.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Always do everything by the book and follow all of Amazon’s terms of service.
—Duffy Young, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
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Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 23 Dec. 2024
The inept Chief Inspector Mackintosh (Peter Kay) and up-and-coming copper Mukherjee (Lauren Patel) trying to carry out her investigation by the book complement the mishap-prone ensemble.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Linear progression comes to those who do things by the book.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Always do everything by the book and follow all of Amazon’s terms of service.
—Duffy Young, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for by the book
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Cite this Entry
“By the book.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20the%20book. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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