Play by the book In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "play by the book", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Caroline Tran

2020-12-11 04:12

Meaning of Play by the book

Synonyms:

Toe the Line , follow orders , Accept the authority , stick to the rules , follow convention

Play by the book informal verb phrase

To follow the regulations strictly

Sometimes Peter is very boring because he always play by the book.

My team leader always plays by the book and doesn't accept any exception.

Other phrases about:

buck the system

To break the rules or refuse to adhere to the regulations.

in hot pursuit (of somebody)

following someone eagerly and trying to catch them

beat the system

To find ways of avoiding or breaking the rules, either those of life in general or of a specific structure or organization, in order to achieve your aim

three strikes and (one's) out

If one commits three mistakes, transgressions, or infractions, he or she will be dismissed or punished very severely.

stick up (one's) ass

A rude phrase expressing contempt, disgust, or anger to someone who has a rigid or serious demeanor

Grammar and Usage of Play by the book

Verb Forms

plays by the book
played by the book
playing by the book

The verb "play" should be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Play by the book

(Image Source: daytraderwayne.com)

"Book" in this idiom means a set of rules or moral/ religious precepts. The earliest citation that can be found is from Edgar Allan Poe's Murders in Rue Morgue (1845).