to follow rules or procedures strictly
suivre les règles à la lettre (suivre les règles à la lettre)
"The officer always goes by the book during inspections."
"L'officier suit toujours les règles à la lettre lors des inspections." (L'officier suit toujours les règles à la lettre lors des inspections.)
to become very tired and lose motivation due to overwork
to delay making a decision until the next day
an unrealistic or impossible hope
to try something, even if you are not sure of success
to be exceptionally good at one’s work
to surprise or defeat completely