PhrasesHub

By the book

    Definitions

      • following rules and regulations strictly
        To describe someone or something that adheres strictly to rules and regulations, often without any deviation or exceptions

      • doing something in the correct or proper way
        To describe the act of following established procedures or guidelines precisely and accurately, without taking any shortcuts or improvising

      • conforming to established norms or standards
        To describe someone or something that conforms to traditional or socially accepted norms, practices, or standards

    Examples of By the book

    • The detective solved the case by the book, following all the proper procedures and protocols.

      This idiom means to do something in a strict and traditional way, according to established rules or guidelines. It can be used to describe someone who is very disciplined or someone who is very by-the-book in their work or behavior. In this example, the detective is portrayed as someone who is very thorough and follows all the necessary steps to solve a case.

    • The teacher graded the exams by the book, following the exact grading rubric and criteria.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone's approach to grading or evaluating something. In this example, the teacher is portrayed as someone who is very fair and consistent in their grading, following the exact guidelines and criteria provided.

    • The chef cooked the meal by the book, following all the necessary steps and ingredients to create a perfect dish.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone's approach to cooking or creating something. In this example, the chef is portrayed as someone who is very skilled and precise in their cooking, following all the necessary steps and ingredients to create a perfect dish.

    • The lawyer argued the case by the book, presenting all the necessary evidence and arguments according to the rules of the court.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone's approach to arguing or presenting a case. In this example, the lawyer is portrayed as someone who is very persuasive and effective in presenting their case, following all the necessary rules and evidence to make a strong argument.

    • The student studied for the exam by the book, following all the necessary study materials and techniques.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone's approach to studying or preparing for something. In this example, the student is portrayed as someone who is very dedicated and disciplined in their studying, following all the necessary study materials and techniques to prepare for the exam.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "by the book" is commonly used to describe someone or something that adheres strictly to rules, procedures, or norms. It can be used in a positive or negative sense, depending on the context. In a positive sense, it implies that the person or thing is following the correct or proper way of doing things. In a negative sense, it can suggest that someone is being rigid or inflexible in their approach.

    Some synonyms for "by the book" include "by the rules," "according to protocol," or "by the letter." These all convey the idea of strict adherence to established guidelines or standards.

    Origin of "By the book"

    The origin of the idiom "by the book" can be traced back to the 16th century, when it was first used in reference to the Bible. It was used to describe the act of following the teachings and principles of the Bible strictly and without deviation. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass a broader sense of following rules and regulations.

    The use of "book" in this idiom refers to a written set of rules or guidelines. It could also be seen as a metaphor for a moral code or standard of conduct. The phrase has become a common idiom in English, and its usage has expanded beyond its religious origins.