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
Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy host David Barr Kirtley warns that some readers may be put off by the book’s dense scientific jargon.
—
Geek's Guide To The Galaxy, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2023
After one case where Sipowicz’s actions regarding Black suspects are both by the book and reflective of the detective’s prejudiced attitudes about race, Fancy takes Andy out for a meal at a local rib joint where the staff and all the other customers are Black.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2023
Pash was punctual, by the book and always in uniform; Berg was erratic, informal and often seen wearing a loose tie.
—Zachary Clary, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Aug. 2023
Capricorn December 22-January 19 Doing things by the book is wise at the moment.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2023
Later, it was picked by the book review’s editors as one of the ten best books of 1983.
—Aryeh Neier, The New York Review of Books, 22 June 2023
While Jordan was captivated by the book, Chang had to level with her about some harsh, real-world truths about it.
—Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2023
Bonus book club material includes a playlist inspired by the book’s Glasgow setting, which is also author Douglas Stuart’s hometown.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2023
Inspired by the book of the same name, Ryan set out to write the script and recalled how the studio gave him creative freedom to achieve his goal.
—Karen Idelson, Variety, 6 June 2023
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Geek's Guide To The Galaxy, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2023
After one case where Sipowicz’s actions regarding Black suspects are both by the book and reflective of the detective’s prejudiced attitudes about race, Fancy takes Andy out for a meal at a local rib joint where the staff and all the other customers are Black.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2023
Pash was punctual, by the book and always in uniform; Berg was erratic, informal and often seen wearing a loose tie.
—Zachary Clary, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Aug. 2023
Capricorn December 22-January 19 Doing things by the book is wise at the moment.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2023
Later, it was picked by the book review’s editors as one of the ten best books of 1983.
—Aryeh Neier, The New York Review of Books, 22 June 2023
While Jordan was captivated by the book, Chang had to level with her about some harsh, real-world truths about it.
—Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2023
Bonus book club material includes a playlist inspired by the book’s Glasgow setting, which is also author Douglas Stuart’s hometown.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2023
Inspired by the book of the same name, Ryan set out to write the script and recalled how the studio gave him creative freedom to achieve his goal.
—Karen Idelson, Variety, 6 June 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'by the book.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“By the book.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20the%20book. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.
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