IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishto the letter
Meaning: Exactly and precisely, following every detail.
Example: “She followed the recipe to the letter.”
Origin: Following the letters of a text exactly; the Latin ad litteram has the same sense. The phrase is found in English from the 16th century.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Au pied de la lettre Literally: At the foot of the letter
More English idioms
- the honeymoon period The early, happy stage of a new relationship or arrangement, before problems appear.
- for donkey's years For a very long time.
- cry one's eyes out To cry very hard and for a long time.
- make sheep's eyes at To look at someone in a lovesick, foolish way (dated).
- a rare bird An unusual person or thing.
- follow the herd To do what everyone else does without thinking.
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