by-the-book

adjective

Strictly adhering to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.

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Meanings

adjectiveby-the-book (comparative more by-the-book, superlative most by-the-book)

comparative more by-the-book · superlative most by-the-book · alternative by-the-books

  1. idiomaticStrictly adhering to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.

    Given the troubled Bayou State's long history of rogues and demagogues, the most unusual thing about Gov. Jindal may be his record of by-the-book ethics.

    2007 December 11, David von Drehle, “Bobby Jindal”, in Time
Cite this entry
APA

by-the-book. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/by-the-book

MLA

“by-the-book.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/by-the-book. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “by-the-book,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/by-the-book.

Source: by-the-book on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.