Question:
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom “By the book.”
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom “By the book.”
Show Hint
When a person does something “by the book,” think of the book as the official manual of rules.
This helps you associate the phrase with strict adherence to regulations and standard procedures.
This helps you associate the phrase with strict adherence to regulations and standard procedures.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
- Acting strictly according to rules
- Reading many books regularly
- Solving problems creatively
- Ignoring official instructions
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question asks us to identify the correct definition of the idiom “By the book”.
Understanding how the word “book” represents rules and procedures in a professional context is key to identifying the correct answer.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. The idiom “by the book” (or “go by the book”) refers to a metaphorical “book” of rules, laws, regulations, or established procedures.
2. Historically, in legal, sports, military, and official settings, a literal book of regulations was maintained. To do things “by the book” meant to follow every rule in that book precisely, leaving no room for individual interpretation, deviation, or shortcut.
3. In modern usage, it describes an approach that is highly disciplined, strictly compliant, and completely conforming to standard operating procedures.
4. Let us evaluate the options:
- Option (A) “Acting strictly according to rules” is the exact meaning of the idiom. A person who does things “by the book” ensures that everything is done legally and correctly, avoiding any informal methods. This is the correct option.
- Option (B) “Reading many books regularly” is a literal interpretation of the word “book”. A person who reads many books is called “studious” or a “bookworm”. This is incorrect.
- Option (C) “Solving problems creatively” is the opposite of doing things by the book. Creative problem-solving often involves thinking outside the box, whereas acting by the book means adhering strictly to existing procedures. Thus, this option is incorrect.
- Option (D) “Ignoring official instructions” is the exact antonym of doing things by the book. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
5. For example: “The new manager is very strict; she does everything by the book and refuses to overlook even minor procedural errors.”
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct option is (A).
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