Example
“The auditor runs everything by the book — no exceptions.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
don't judge a book by its cover
Neutral · CEFR B1
appearances can be misleading, so assess things properly
hit the books
Informal · CEFR B1
to study hard, especially before an exam
take a leaf out of someone's book
Neutral · CEFR B2
to follow someone's good example by copying what they do
fall in line
Neutral · CEFR B1
to obey or accept the rules and expectations set by a group or authority
golden rule
Neutral · CEFR B1
the most important rule or principle to follow
out of the question
Neutral · CEFR B1
completely impossible or not permitted
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.