# by the book

> English word · Prep_phrase

## Definitions
1. In a manner which strictly adheres to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.
2. In a manner which appears too studied, ritualized, and therefore artificial.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/by-the-book