杓しゃく子し定じょう規ぎ

na-adjective, noun

strict; inflexible; stickler for the rules

Describes a person or attitude that rigidly adheres to rules without flexibility. Often used critically. The literal image is of measuring everything with a ladle (杓子) as if it were a ruler (定規).

• 彼かれは杓しゃく子し定じょう規ぎな人ひとで、例れい外がいを認みとめない。

  He is a stickler for the rules and doesn't allow exceptions.

• 杓しゃく子し定じょう規ぎに規き則そくを適てき用ようすると、かえって問もん題だいが起おきることもある。

  Applying rules inflexibly can sometimes cause more problems.