do things strictly according to the written rules, etc.
according to the rules and norms
to strictly follow the applicable guidelines to do something
The most successful officers are not those who always go by the book but use their initiative.
My friend Sarah always goes strictly by the book at her job.
I don’t believe in going by the book always. Sometimes it’s better to use your common sense according to the situation.
There is no origin for this idiom
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definition
Common phrase that has a specific meaning.