Definition of by the book
:by following the official rules very strictly
- My boss insists on doing everything by the book.
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by the book
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Word by Word Definitions
book
play
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: a set of written sheets of skin or paper or tablets of wood or ivory
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: a set of written, printed, or blank sheets bound together between a front and back cover
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: a long written or printed literary composition
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: to register (something, such as a name) for some future activity or condition (as to engage transportation or reserve lodgings)
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: to schedule engagements for
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: to set aside time for
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