Here are some examples:
* "The police officer told us to go by the book and report the incident immediately." This means the officer insisted on following the official procedures for reporting crimes, even if the situation seemed straightforward.
* "The manager is very strict and wants everything done by the book." This implies the manager expects employees to follow company policies and procedures meticulously.
* "I didn't go by the book and used my own judgment, which turned out to be a good decision." This highlights the potential downside of strictly following rules, as it can sometimes hinder flexibility and innovation.
The idiom "go by the book" is often used in situations where:
* Formal procedures are important: Like in legal or bureaucratic settings.
* Strict adherence to rules is required: For example, in a safety-critical environment.
* There is a desire for consistency and uniformity: In situations where everyone needs to follow the same rules.
Overall, "to go by the book" is a common expression that emphasizes the importance of following established rules and procedures.