The idiom "to the letter" means to follow instructions or rules exactly as they are written, without any deviation or improvisation. It implies that the instructions are very precise and must be adhered to strictly.
For example, if someone says, "I followed the recipe to the letter," it means that they followed every step and measurement exactly as written. Similarly, if someone says, "I followed the rules of the game to the letter," it means that they followed every rule exactly as stated.
This idiom is often used in formal or professional settings, such as in legal contracts, scientific experiments, or military operations, where accuracy and precision are crucial. It emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and strict adherence to guidelines.
In summary, "to the letter" means following instructions or rules exactly as they are written, without any deviation or improvisation, and is used to emphasize the importance of precision and strict adherence to guidelines.
• I followed the recipe to the letter and the cake turned out delicious.
• The teacher emphasized the importance of following the instructions to the letter during the exam.
• The project manager expected the team to follow the project plan to the letter in order to meet the deadline.
• The boss gave instructions to the new employee to follow the company policy to the letter.
• The astronaut followed the pre-flight checklist to the letter to ensure a successful launch.
• The contract was reviewed by the lawyer and all the terms were followed to the letter.