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by the book. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
by the book, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
by the book in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
by the book you have here. The definition of the word
by the book will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
by the book, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Alternative forms
Pronunciation
Prepositional phrase
by the book
- (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.
- (idiomatic, by extension) In a manner which appears too studied, ritualized, and therefore artificial.
c. 1591–1595 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Romeo and Ivliet”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies (First Folio), London: Isaac Iaggard, and Ed Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, :Romeo: Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly urged!
Give me my sin again.
They kiss again.
Juliet: You kiss by th' book.
Translations
in a manner which adheres strictly to rules
See also
Further reading