| 词汇 | the letter of the law |
| 释义 | Idiom the letter of the law formal the exact words of a law and not its more important general meaning.There is always the danger that a judge may follow the letter of the law rather than its spirit. the letter of the lawThe 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. letter of the lawThe 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] the letter of the lawCOMMON 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. the letter of the lawthe precise literal interpretation of a rule or instruction (as opposed to its broad intention).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. |
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