Definition

Noun: 1. A book containing the official rules of an organization, game, or activity: A physical or digital compilation of the regulations, procedures, and standards that must be followed. 2. The established set of rules or conventions governing a particular sphere: The accepted norms, standards, or procedures that are considered authoritative for a specific field or situation.

Usage

The term "rule book" is used to refer to the authoritative source of regulations. It is often used in contexts involving games, sports, organizations, or formal procedures to emphasize official, codified standards.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "by the book": Adhering strictly to the official rules or established procedures.
  • The police inspector insisted that everything be done by the book.
• "to throw the rule book at someone": To punish someone with the maximum severity allowed by the rules or laws.
  • The judge threw the rule book at the repeat offender.
• "to rewrite the rule book": To fundamentally change the established way of doing something.
  • The new technology rewrote the rule book for the entire industry.

Variants and Related Words

• Rulebook (noun): A common alternative spelling, written as one word.
  • The game's rulebook is available online.
• Rule (noun): A specific, individual regulation or guide for conduct.
• Regulation (noun): An official rule or directive, often used in legal or governmental contexts.
• Guideline (noun): A general rule or piece of advice, often less strict than a formal rule.

Synonyms

• Code
• Regulations
• Manual
• Protocol
• Standards

Idioms and Phrases

• Go by the book: To act in complete accordance with the rules. (Similar to "by the book").
  • In matters of safety, we always go by the book.
• The rules of the game: The basic principles that govern any activity or situation.
  • If you want to succeed in business, you must first understand the rules of the game.

Noun

1. a collection of rules or prescribed standards on the basis of which decisions are made
   • they run things by the book around here