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
Recent Examples on the Web
But Turner insisted on handling it by the book, needing absolute certainty before making an arrest.
—
Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 22 July 2025
Thus, the real winners are middle-income workers in full-time, tip-heavy jobs who report all their tips by the book.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
The documentary is inspired by the book The Serial Killer’s Apprentice which is co-authored by Dr. Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman.
—Nicole Acosta, People.com, 17 July 2025
Frazier says his rekindled love for reading sparked by the book club carried over to his classroom studies.
—Scott Talley, Freep.com, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for by the book
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Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 22 July 2025
Thus, the real winners are middle-income workers in full-time, tip-heavy jobs who report all their tips by the book.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
The documentary is inspired by the book The Serial Killer’s Apprentice which is co-authored by Dr. Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman.
—Nicole Acosta, People.com, 17 July 2025
Frazier says his rekindled love for reading sparked by the book club carried over to his classroom studies.
—Scott Talley, Freep.com, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for by the book
Cite this Entry
“By the book.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20the%20book. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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