🗓️ Idiom: By the Letter of the Law (adv)
💬 Meaning
- Following the written law or rules, even if it seems strict.
- Acting in a way that is legally correct.
🧠 Example Sentences
- The auditor followed everything by the letter of the law, even when it slowed the project down.
- He wasn’t breaking any rules by the letter of the law, but his actions still felt dishonest.
- Regulators expect financial institutions to act by the letter of the law to avoid compliance issues.
🏛️ Origin
This idiom comes from legal and biblical language, where “the letter” means the exact wording of a law or rule. It contrasts with “the spirit of the law,” which refers to the intended meaning or purpose.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
The company followed the policy strictly, exactly __________________.
Answer
by the letter of the law
2. Multiple choice:
What does “by the letter of the law” mean?
a) Breaking the law openly
b) Ignoring the rules when necessary
c) Following the exact written rules
Answer
c) Following the exact written rules
3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom “by the letter of the law”:
The inspector made sure the company followed the exact rules without exceptions.
Answer
The inspector made sure the company acted by the letter of the law.
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