1. Home
2. Idioms
3. chapter

chapter

---

---

cite (something) chapter and verse

To recite all the facts or details of something. Likened to quoting scripture by citing the exact chapter and verse where it appears. Ask Stan if you need to be updated on the case—he can cite it chapter and verse.

See also: and, chapter, cite, verse

be a chapter of accidents

To be characterized by multiple problems or mishaps. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Despite all of our planning, the birthday party was a chapter of accidents.

See also: accident, chapter, of

chapter and verse

Fig. very specifically detailed, in reference to sources of information. (A reference to the method of referring to biblical text.) He gave chapter and verse for his reasons for disputing that Shakespeare had written the play. The suspect gave chapter and verse of his associate's activities.

See also: and, chapter, verse

chapter and verse

all the facts I know all about it, chapter and verse.

Usage notes: often used with the verbs give, quote, or recite : She can recite chapter and verse about her problems with insurance companies.

Etymology: based on the idea that proof of an idea can be found in the Bible, which is divided into chapters and verses (parts)

See also: and, chapter, verse

be a chapter of accidents

  (British & Australian formal)

to be a series of unpleasant events The whole trip was a chapter of accidents.

See also: accident, chapter, of

give/quote (somebody) chapter and verse

to give exact information about something, especially something in a book The strength of the book is that when it makes accusations it gives chapter and verse, often backed up by photographic evidence. I can't quote you chapter and verse, but I'm pretty sure it's a line from 'Macbeth'.

See also: and, chapter, give, verse

chapter and verse

The precise authority backing up a statement or view; established rules for or detailed information about something. For example, You can't withdraw a card after you've played it; I'll cite you the rules, chapter and verse . The term alludes to the chapter and verse of a quotation from the Bible, long regarded as an ultimate authority. [Early 1600s]

See also: and, chapter, verse

chapter and verse

mod. in the finest detail. (From the chapter and verse organization of the Bible.) He could recite the law concerning state-funded libraries, chapter and verse.

See also: and, chapter, verse