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idiom

Letter of the Law

LET-ter of the LAW

/ˈlɛtər əv ðə lɔː/

Listen

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Syllable breakdown

LETteroftheLAW

Dictionary meaning

The strict, literal interpretation of a law's written text, as opposed to its underlying spirit or intent; following rules exactly as written without flexibility.

Examples

  • The judge followed the letter of the law rather than its spirit, resulting in an unexpected ruling.
  • Some tax accountants exploit the letter of the law to find loopholes.

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