by the book

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See also: by-the-book

English

Alternative forms

Pronunciation

Prepositional phrase

by the book

  1. (idiomatic) In a manner which strictly adheres 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.

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