Idiom
by the book
Meanings
Following official rules or standard procedures exactly.
Definition
If you do something by the book, you follow the official rules and procedures exactly.
To do something by the book means to follow all rules, instructions, or standard procedures very carefully. It often suggests you are strict and do not take shortcuts. People use it in work situations like policing, accounting, or office processes where rules matter.
Examples
- Our manager insists we do everything by the book.
- The accountant did the audit by the book to avoid any mistakes.
- The rookie cop tried to handle the arrest by the book.
- If you want the permit approved, do the application by the book.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or fi…
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.