idiom
By the book
by thuh BOOK
/baɪ ðə bʊk/Listen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
bythebook
Dictionary meaning
Following all official rules and procedures exactly and strictly, without taking shortcuts or bending the rules.
Examples
- The inspector did everything by the book, citing every regulation to the letter.
- She insisted on doing it by the book even when it slowed the project down.
Synonyms: by the rules, by the numbers
Learn one new pronunciation a day
Get a word, name or idiom like “By the book” in your inbox — daily or weekly, free. Unsubscribe any time.
Something wrong? Suggest a correction