BY THE BOOK, GO, BY THE SEAT OF (ONE’S) PANTS, DO (SOMETHING),BY THE SKIN OF (ONE’S) TEETH: American English Idioms #33
BY THE BOOK, GO A person who “goes by the book” might be someone who does things in a very systematic way. Such people are always following procedures to the letter, not taking any risks or side-stepping any rules. It is important to go by the book, or to follow the rules. Without following the…