What does “Letter of the law” mean?
"Letter of the law" means the strict adherence to the exact wording and interpretation of a law or rule.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The judge ruled in favor of the defendant based on the letter of the law.
Example
The company followed the letter of the law when it came to employee safety regulations.
Example
The lawyer argued that his client's actions were within the letter of the law
Is “Letter of the law” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Letter of the law” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Letter of the law” effectively in context?
You can use "Letter of the Law" to describe a situation where someone is strictly following the exact wording and interpretation of a law or rule. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Legal Proceedings
The judge ruled in favor of the defendant based on the letter of the law. Despite the moral implications, the defendant's actions did not technically violate any specific laws.
- 2Compliance
The company followed the letter of the law when it came to employee safety regulations. They made sure to meet all the required standards and specifications, even if it meant additional costs.
- 3Legal Defense
The lawyer argued that his client's actions were within the letter of the law. Although some might find the client's behavior questionable, it did not explicitly violate any laws.
Similar phrases to “Letter of the law”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Letter of the law” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Letter of the Law" can be traced back to legal terminology. It refers to the strict adherence to the exact wording and interpretation of a law or rule. The phrase emphasizes the importance of following the literal meaning of the law, rather than considering its spirit or intent.
Is “Letter of the law” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Letter of the Law" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation, especially in legal and compliance contexts. People often use it to emphasize the importance of following the exact wording and interpretation of laws or rules.
What tone does “Letter of the law” have?
"Letter of the Law" conveys a tone of strict adherence and precision. It is often used in a neutral or formal context to describe situations where the focus is on the technicality and literal interpretation of laws or rules.
Can “Letter of the law” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Letter of the Law" is a formal expression that is commonly used in legal and compliance settings. It is appropriate to use in professional conversations, presentations, and written documents related to law, regulations, and policies.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The judge ruled in favor of the defendant based on the letter of the law.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'We must follow the "letter of the law".' to imply the importance of strict adherence to rules and regulations.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- strict interpretation
- literal interpretation
- exact wording
- rigid adherence
Antonyms
- spirit of the law
- flexible interpretation
- intent of the law
- discretionary judgment
