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Region: General | Usage example: She followed the recipe to the letter.

To the letter

Meaning

Exactly as instructed.

Usage

Used to describe strict compliance.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Literally following the letters of text.

Legal usage from the 18th century.

Related Idioms

Hit the nail on the head

To say or identify something exactly right, with no wasted guessing.

Play by the book

Follow the rules exactly

Right up your alley

Exactly suited to someone's skills or tastes.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.