the letter of the law
1
the exact literal interpretation of a law or agreement as opposed to its general meaning
- By sticking to the letter of the law, the spirit of the law may be lost.
- The agent counsels them obliquely against waste, repeats the letter of the law, and smiles.
- The builders may have adhered to the letter of the law, but not its spirit.
- The heart of all this is going beyond the letter of the law with your clients.