When something is by the book

COMMON If you do something by the book, you do it strictly according to the rules. Modern man is often dull, studious, careful, safe.

What is the idioms of by the book?

The idiom “by the book” means that you are doing things exactly according to the rules. You are obeying all of the rules. So, a lot of the time people like to not do all the rules, because some of the rules are difficult, or some of the rules do not seem necessary.

Who coined the phrase by the book?

The earliest citation I can find is from the mid-19th century – in Edgar Allan Poe’s Murders in Rue Morgue, 1845: “To have a retentive memory, and to proceed by ‘the book’, are points commonly regarded as the sum total of good playing.”

What is a by the book person?

Book person means ‘a person who likes to read books very much‘. In English we use similar expressions to say that a person likes something very much.

What is meant by play by the rules?

Follow what is generally held to be the correct line of behaviour. ‘businesses have a chance to stand out if they refuse to play by the rules’ ‘Compulsory schooling defines good citizens as those who play by the rules, stay in line, and do as they’re told. ‘

What does it mean when you can read someone like a book?

Definition of read (someone) like a book : to easily understand the true thoughts and feelings of (someone) by looking at how that person acts or behaves My mom always knows when I’m lying. She can read me like a book.

Do it by the book idiom?

COMMON If you do something by the book, you do it strictly according to the rules. … Note: If something is done according to the rules and in the usual way, you can say that it goes by the book.

What is the meaning of by the numbers?

(idiomatic) Done in a predictable manner; formulaic. adjective. (idiomatic) To do something exactly, precisely, or in a formulaic way.

What does stick by the books mean?

correctly, following all the rules or systems for doing something in a strict way. He always tried to do everything by the book. Synonyms and related words. Obedience and cooperation. adherence.

What does blowing your own trumpet mean?

Definition of blow one’s own trumpet British, informal. : to talk about oneself or one’s achievements especially in a way that shows that one is proud or too proud He had a very successful year and has every right to blow his own trumpet.

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What is the meaning of the idiom smell a rat?

smell a rat. Suspect something is wrong, especially a betrayal of some kind. For example, When I didn’t hear any more from my prospective employer, I began to smell a rat. This expression alludes to a cat sniffing out a rat. [

What is the meaning of to pig out?

Definition of pig out intransitive verb. : to eat greedily : gorge. Other Words from pig out Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About pig out.

What does farmed out mean?

Definition of farm out transitive verb. 1 : to turn over for performance by another usually under contract farm out a job. 2a : to put (someone, such as a child) into the hands of another for care. b : to send (an athlete, such as a baseball player) to a farm team.

What does it mean to live by the book?

Living by the book means you follow the rules and obey the laws. If you do not “live by the book”, the authorities can “throw the book at you” (charge you with crimes) when they “book” you (take you into custody).

Do most things in my life by the book meaning?

The phrase “by the book” is an English idiom, or saying, that means to do something in the correct or proper manner. It refers to completing a task according to the rules or without cutting any corners to save time.

What is the meaning of the idiom cutting corners?

Do something in the easiest or least expensive way; also, act illegally. For example, Cutting corners in production led to a definite loss in product quality, or If the accountant cuts corners the auditors are sure to find out.

What Does This Mean You kiss by the book?

When she says “you kiss by the book” she is referring to his second kiss. Romeo argues that kissing Juliet is like kissing a saint which will “purge him of his sins.” After that first kiss, Juliet teases him by saying that his “sin” is now on her lips. He kisses her a second time to take back his sin.

What does bending the rules mean?

Definition of bend a rule : to not be strict or exact about following a rule She’s not really quite old enough to be admitted as a member, but she’s very close, so I think we can bend the rule(s) a little in her case and let her in now.

What is the meaning by the skin of your teeth?

phrase. If you do something by the skin of your teeth, you just manage to do it. He won, but only by the skin of his teeth.

What does the word adhere?

1 : to hold fast or stick by or as if by gluing, suction, grasping, or fusing The stamp failed to adhere to the envelope. 2 : to give support or maintain loyalty adhere to traditional values. 3 : to bind oneself to observance adhere to the rules.

What is the meaning of almost always?

“Almost always” means about 95 percent of the time. “Most of the time” (note that “time” is singular) refers to anything from 51 percent up, though we would probably not use it if we mean over 90 percent, since we would then say something like “almost always.”

Is self critical an adjective?

SELF-CRITICAL (adjective) definition and synonyms | Macmillan Dictionary.

Do not cut corners meaning?

phrase. If you cut corners, you do something quickly by doing it in a less thorough way than you should. [disapproval] Take your time, don’t cut corners and follow instructions to the letter.

What does ballpark figure mean?

A ballpark figure is a rough numerical estimate or approximation of the value of something that is otherwise unknown. … A stockbroker could use a ballpark figure to estimate how much money a client might have at some point in the future, given a certain rate of growth.

What is reading between the lines?

read between the lines. Perceive or detect a hidden meaning, as in They say that everything’s fine, but reading between the lines I suspect they have some marital problems.

Who is called She is a book like you?

“She is a book like you;his mother said. Einstein put the wedding off.

How can you read someone's mind?

  1. Start With Generational Differences. Understanding someone’s generation can give insight about how he or she thinks. …
  2. Recognize Hot Buttons. …
  3. Consider Personalities. …
  4. Look for Nonverbal Communication. …
  5. Be a Good Listener.

When someone is an open book?

Definition of an open book : a person or thing that is easy to learn about and understand My life is an open book. I have nothing to hide.

What does it mean to stand by someone?

(phrasal verb) in the sense of support. Definition. to be faithful to. I wouldn’t break the law for a friend, but I would stand by her if she did.

What does it mean to put your nose to the grindstone?

Definition of keep one’s nose to the grindstone : to do hard, continuous work You’ll do well at school if you just keep your nose to the grindstone.

What does unaffected by others mean?

If you describe someone as unaffected, you mean that they are natural and genuine in their behavior, and do not act as though they are more important than other people.

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