See also: by-the-book

English

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Alternative forms

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Pronunciation

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Prepositional phrase

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by the book

  1. (idiomatic) In a manner which adheres strictly to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.
    • 2006 August 27, Simon Robinson, “It's Not Just Cricket”, in Time:
      As far as he is concerned, he umpired by the book.
  2. (idiomatic, by extension) In a manner which appears too studied, ritualized, and therefore artificial.

Translations

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Further reading

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