1. by the book - Adjective
2. by the book - Phrase
(idiomatic) In a manner which adheres strictly to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.
(idiomatic, by extension) In a manner which appears too studied, ritualized, and therefore artificial.
by-the-book (not comparable)
(idiomatic) Adhering strictly to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.
by-the-book
At the same time, the Perl version number was bumped to 4, not to mark a major change in the language but to identify the version that was well documented by the book. Source: Internet
By 1976, however, he had sorted out the international travel problems, and went to Gabon instead, inspired by the book Trader Horn. Source: Internet
A case of honesty in advertising if nothing else, the UK-set series that launches May 10 is almost entirely without distinction except in how by the book it mostly is. Source: Internet
Bungay 2000, p. 249. Training also emphasised by-the-book attacks by sections breaking away in sequence. Source: Internet
Crichton says he was "terrifically impressed" by the book - "a lot of Andromeda is traceable to Ipcress in terms of trying to create an imaginary world using recogniseable techniques and real people." Source: Internet
Dr Mkhize’s coughing etiquette was very much by the book, though, as he coughed into his jacket sleeve, as advised. Source: Internet