by the book
Following every rule
By the book means following rules, procedures, or established methods exactly as prescribed, without deviation or improvisation: The detective did everything by the book, so the case couldn't be thrown out on a technicality.
The phrase suggests strict adherence to official guidelines, sometimes approvingly (proper procedure), sometimes critically (inflexible, unimaginative): He's a by-the-book manager who won't bend the rules for anyone.
Unable to bend
- inflexibleUnable to bend
- unbendingRefusing to change position
- uncompromisingRefusing to yield ground
- literalMeaning exactly what's said
exact · stringent · stern · unrelenting · unyielding · hardline · zero-tolerance · unforgiving
Following ordered procedures
- organizedSystematically arranged
- structuredArranged in organized form
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
- preciseExactly correct, no error
thorough · orderly · step-by-step · methodical · documented · standardized · consistent · regimented
Permitted by statute
- lawfulPermitted by statute
- legitimateConforming to accepted standards
- authorizedGiven official permission
- permissibleSanctioned by authority
regulatory · statutory · constitutional · codified · enforceable · ethical · licensed · sanctioned
Following long-held customs
- orthodoxConforming to established belief
- establishedFormally set up
- customaryDone by convention
- standardLevel of quality accepted
mainstream · conformist · typical · normative · accepted · expected · predictable · safe
rigid
Unable to bend
- inflexibleUnable to bend
- unbendingRefusing to change position
- uncompromisingRefusing to yield ground
literal · exact · stringent · stern · unrelenting · unyielding · hardline · zero-tolerance · unforgiving · no-nonsense
systematic
Following ordered procedures
- organizedSystematically arranged
- structuredArranged in organized form
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
precise · thorough · orderly · step-by-step · methodical · documented · standardized · consistent · regimented · procedural
legal
Permitted by statute
- lawfulPermitted by statute
- legitimateConforming to accepted standards
- authorizedGiven official permission
permissible · regulatory · statutory · constitutional · codified · enforceable · ethical · licensed · sanctioned · certified
traditional
Following long-held customs
- orthodoxConforming to established belief
- establishedFormally set up
- customaryDone by convention
standard · mainstream · conformist · typical · normative · accepted · expected · predictable · safe · conservative
- literary idiomscatch-22, red herring, white whale, chapter and verse, same page
- Book Idiomson the same page, same page, turn the page, hit the books, cover to cover
- fairnessfair play, fair shake, fair treatment, fair and square, fair share
- sportsmanshipfairness, fair play, sportsmanship, respect, integrity
- Precision phraseson the mark, on target, spot on, dead on, bulls-eye
- Standards & Benchmarksbenchmark, yardstick, gold standard, litmus test, acid test
by the bookagainst the rules
rebellious · nonconformist · rule-breaking · cutting corners · bending the rules
by the bookimprovised
Created without prior planning
off the cuff · ad lib · winging it · freestyling · playing it by ear
by the bookby hook or by crook
Using whatever method works
by any means necessary · no holds barred · dirty · underhanded · shady
book, textbook, bookish, booklet, e-book, textbooks, bookstore, bookmark, booklets