PhrasesHub

Go by the book

    Definitions

      • Follow rules and regulations strictly, without any deviation or improvisation
        Instruct someone to adhere to established guidelines or procedures, without taking any shortcuts or creative liberties

      • Do something in a conventional and traditional manner
        Encourage someone to approach a task or situation in a traditional or conventional way, rather than trying something new or unconventional

      • Judge or evaluate something based on established standards or criteria
        Refer to established guidelines or precedents when making a judgement or decision, rather than relying on personal opinions or biases

    Examples of Go by the book

    • The new employee was instructed to go by the book in order to learn the company's policies and procedures.

      This idiom means to follow established rules, guidelines, or procedures strictly and without deviation. It comes from the idea of following a written manual or handbook, which is often referred to as "the book."

    • The police officer insisted that the suspect be read his rights and go by the book during the interrogation.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a legal context, where following established procedures is especially important.

    • The project manager urged the team to go by the book and avoid taking any unnecessary risks, as the client was known to be very particular about adhering to established procedures.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a business context, where following established procedures is important for meeting client expectations and avoiding potential legal or financial risks.

    • The coach demanded that his players go by the book during practice and games, as he believed that strict adherence to the rules was essential for building a strong team.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a sports context, where following established rules and procedures is important for building team cohesion and success.

    • The teacher reminded her students to go by the book when taking exams, as cheating or plagiarism would result in severe penalties.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in an academic context, where following established rules and procedures is important for maintaining academic integrity and avoiding penalties.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "go by the book" typically carries a negative connotation and is used to discourage someone from taking any risks or deviating from established norms. It can also be used to emphasize the importance of following rules and guidelines, especially in a professional or formal setting.

    In some cases, the phrase can also be used to encourage someone to approach a task or situation in a traditional or conventional manner, rather than trying something new or unconventional. This usage may be seen as a more neutral or even positive interpretation of the idiom.

    Overall, the various meanings of "go by the book" all revolve around the concept of following established guidelines and standards, whether it be in a strict or traditional sense, or in a more general sense of relying on established norms and precedents.

    Origin of "Go by the book"

    The origin of the idiom "go by the book" can be traced back to the 16th century, when books and written records were considered the authoritative source of information and guidelines. The phrase was first used in the field of law, where adhering to established laws and legal precedents was crucial for making fair and just decisions.

    Over time, the phrase became more commonly used in everyday language, and its meaning evolved to include following any set of rules or guidelines strictly. It may also have been influenced by the popular saying "the book says", meaning that something is true or correct because it is written in a book.

    Today, the idiom "go by the book" is widely used in various contexts, from professional settings such as business and law, to everyday situations where following established rules and norms is important. Its origin in the world of law and its long history make it a well-known and widely understood idiom in the English language.