by-the-book
UK[ˌbaɪ ðə ˈbʊk]US[ˌbaɪ ðə ˈbʊk]
adj
Strictly following rules, regulations, or standard procedures.
Etymology
The phrase 'by the book' emerged in the 16th century, drawing on the metaphorical authority of written texts. The 'book' in this idiom originally referred to authoritative rulebooks, manuals of procedure, or scripture—sources considered the definitive guide for correct conduct. The preposition 'by' indicates conformity or adherence to this standard. Over time, the literal notion of following a specific physical book evolved into the abstract concept of rigidly adhering to any established set of rules or protocols, giving rise to the hyphenated adjectival form 'by-the-book' used to describe a person or method.
Analysis
This is a fixed adjectival phrase derived from a common English idiom. It is not productively formed from separable morphemes in the modern sense. Its components are the preposition 'by', the definite article 'the', and the noun 'book', but the meaning is idiomatic and non-compositional.
Examples
She is a by-the-book manager who insists on following every company policy exactly.
The investigation was conducted in a strictly by-the-book manner.
His by-the-book approach sometimes lacks flexibility in creative situations.