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Showing results for by the book. Search instead for by+the+book.
Synonyms

by the book

Cultural  

  1. According to established rules: “The inspector will be visiting the factory today, so let's make sure we do everything by the book.”

by the book Idioms  

  1. Strictly according to the rules, as in Our trip leader is going by the book, allowing us to wander off only for short periods. Shakespeare already used the term figuratively in Romeo and Juliet (1:5): “You kiss by the book.” Also see by the numbers.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There is a second, diffuse—seemingly unintentional—sadness revealed by the book that is something closer to cultural or civilizational loss.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

"If you look at the actions of Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager the previous week, he has done everything by the book," added backs coach Stick, 41.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf defended the team doctors, saying everything was "done by the book".

From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025

The source added that the raid has shaken a company that has always tried to operate by the book and that, despite its exponential growth in recent years, has sought to maintain a close-knit feel.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 26, 2025

It was on the back of the checkout card with the other kids who’d been chosen by the book.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.