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What does by the book mean?

Looking for the meaning or definition of the word by the book? Here's what it means.

Prepositional phrase
  1. (idiomatic) In a manner which adheres strictly to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.
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Examples
We even have to keep an open mind about whether there were any dealings that weren't strictly by the book.
The abiding impression left by the book is the way the prison system reduces prisoners and screws to animals.
The names of these privy individuals are known, since this is all done by the book.
From the body of work represented by the book as a whole, the figure of a small boy emerges as an image of the struggle to speak.
The referee played it by the book and said that League rules say that if the pitch isn't fit at 12 noon it won't get any better.
His character Hutchwright is the author of Hard Grinding, the steamy bodice-ripper being read by the book club.

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