Sticking to the Letter

British English has many unkind words for a person who insists on the exact terms.

A jobsworth: An official who applies small rules to the letter, whatever the result.

A stickler: A person who insists on exact rules.

A barrack-room lawyer: A person who argues over the wording of rules, usually to avoid a duty.

A box-ticking exercise: Following a procedure without caring about its purpose.

That’s a bit petty: That is technically correct but unreasonable.

It’s not cricket: It is unfair, even if it is allowed.

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