B2idiomworkIELTS-friendly
by the book
USUK
exactly following the official rules and procedures
Usually after 'do something' or 'play it'. It can be praise (careful) or criticism (not flexible).
In context
Our new accountant does everything by the book, so the audit went smoothly.
The police officer played it by the book and checked every document twice.
More idioms about work
- a baptism of firea very difficult first experience of a new job or activity
- a cushy joba job that is easy and pleasant but still pays well
- a dead-end joba job with no chance of promotion or of learning anything new
- a jack of all tradesa person who can do many different kinds of work fairly well
- a labour of lovehard work that you do because you enjoy it or care about it, not for money