according to law; according to established method
Meanings
2 senses · 8 examplesadverb
according to established method; in the usual way
formalOften used in the idiom '依法炮制'. Refers to following a standard procedure or an old practice, not necessarily a formal law.
This dish is complicated to make; I can only prepare it according to the established method.
They replicated last year's marketing plan according to the old method, but the results were much worse.
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This craft was passed down from the older generation; we've always made it according to the traditional method.
adverb
according to law; in accordance with the law
formalUsed in legal, administrative, and official contexts. It is the more common modern meaning of the word.
Any illegal act will be punished according to law.
The government must administer according to the law to protect citizens' rights.
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The company's assets will be liquidated and distributed according to law.
Citizens have the obligation to pay taxes according to law.
The suspect in this case has been lawfully arrested.