the letter of the law


the letter of the law

The law exactly as it is written, as opposed to a more liberal interpretation. I know he's the mayor's cousin, but we need to stick to the letter of the law so as to not get accused of giving him preferential treatment.See also: law, letter, of

letter of the law

The precise wording rather than the spirit or intent. For example, Since it was the first time he'd broken the rules, the school decided to ignore the letter of the law and just give him a warning . [Late 1500s] See also: law, letter, of

the letter of the law

COMMON The letter of the law is the law's exact meaning rather than the general and more important principles on which it is based. The Home Office stuck to the letter of the law over the definition of dependants. Michael Brower says such transactions violate the spirit, if not the letter, of the law. Note: You usually use this expression to show disapproval. See also: law, letter, of

the letter of the law

the precise literal interpretation of a rule or instruction (as opposed to its broad intention).See also: law, letter, of

the ˌletter of the ˈlaw

(often disapproving) the exact words of a law or rule rather than its general meaning: They insist on sticking to the letter of the law.See also: law, letter, of