go through (the proper) channels
To take the correct or accepted steps toward achieving some goal or outcome. I'm sorry, but we can't approve of this request because you didn't go through the proper channels. If you went through channels, then they have no reason to turn you away. A: "Why hasn't my interlibrary loan request been fulfilled?" B: "Did you go through the proper channels—in this case, the reference desk?"
good and proper
1. Appropriate and acceptable, often socially. Don't cancel your meeting with him at the last minute—that's not good and proper behavior. Please don't go asking him for money at the party. That is just not good and proper. I know it's not good and proper to be late for a job interview, I just got stuck in traffic for over an hour!
2. With intensity. Mom scolded me good and proper after I ignored my chores yet again. If you don't train good and proper in the offseason, you'll never be in top shape when the season starts. It wasn't until after the funeral that I cried good and proper—Maria's death just didn't feel real until then.
prim and proper
Having very traditional, morally conservative beliefs and behavior. I've never dated someone who is so prim and proper before. I'm not sure how he's going react when he meets my family! She's so prim and proper that I bet she's never even jaywalked before.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.