by the book

• by-the-book (attributive)

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by the book

1. (idiomatic) In a manner which adheres strictly to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.
   • 2006 August 27, Simon Robinson, “It's Not Just Cricket”, in Time:

     As far as he is concerned, he umpired by the book.

2. (idiomatic, by extension) In a manner which appears too studied, ritualized, and therefore artificial.
   • c. 1591–1595 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Romeo and Ivliet”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene v]:

     Romeo: Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly urged!
     Give me my sin again.
     They kiss again.
     Juliet: You kiss by th' book.

• by the numbers
• according to Hoyle
• legalism
• literalism
• proceduralism
• to the letter
• shipshape and Bristol fashion

• “by the book”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.