blue-book

blue-book

A royal commission publishes its findings in a blue-book.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Official report: A "blue book" is an official government report, typically bound in a blue cover, often published by a parliamentary or royal commission.
    • Directory of officials: In US usage, a "blue book" refers to a book listing the names and details of government officials and their positions.
    • Examination booklet: In academic contexts, a "blue book" is a blank booklet with a blue cover used for writing essay exams in colleges and universities.
Usage Examples
  • Official report: (An official report detailing economic conditions.)
  • Directory of officials: (A directory of US government officials.)
  • Examination booklet: (A specific booklet used for written tests.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to be in the blue book": to be listed in an official directory of prominent people.

    • After his election, his name appeared in the blue book. (He was officially recognized as a notable official.)

  • "blue book value": a term used in the US for the estimated market value of a used vehicle, based on the Kelley Blue Book.

    • The car's blue book value is around $5,000. (The standard reference price for the vehicle.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Blue-book (verb): to evaluate or list in a blue book, especially for vehicles.

    • I blue-booked my old truck to see its trade-in value. (I checked its official estimated worth.)

  • Blue-bookish (adj): resembling or relating to an official report or directory.

    • The document had a blue-bookish appearance with its formal layout. (It looked like a government report.)
Synonyms
  • Official report: government paper, parliamentary paper, white paper (though white papers are often less formal).
  • Directory: register, roster, roll.
  • Examination booklet: test booklet, answer booklet.
Phrasal Verbs
  • Blue-book in: to include in an official directory or report.
    • The new agency was blue-booked into the annual report. (It was officially recorded.)
Related Idioms

  • Not in the blue book: not officially recognized or listed.

    • His credentials were not in the blue book, so his position was questioned. (He was not listed as a legitimate official.)

  • Blue book of the skies: a poetic or informal term for a star atlas or astronomical catalogue.

    • The astronomer used the blue book of the skies to identify constellations. (A reference work for celestial bodies.)