Throw the book at somebody
phrasal verb
To punish or criticize someone as severely as possible.
If you break the law, the judge will throw the book at you.
Often appears as...
- judge throw the book
- police throw the book
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To punish or criticize someone as severely as possible.
If you break the law, the judge will throw the book at you.
Often appears as...
- judge throw the book
- police throw the book
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Connotations
This phrase often appears in legal contexts, implying strict punishment within the law's full extent.
After repeated offenses, the court decided to throw the book at the repeat offender.
Pro Tip 2/3Severity
It highlights the strongest possible action against someone, showing no leniency.
The principal decided to throw the book at the students for their prank.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Speech
Understand that it's a figurative term; no physical book is used.
When I lied about finishing my chores, my parents decided to throw the book at me.
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Connotations
This phrase often appears in legal contexts, implying strict punishment within the law's full extent.
After repeated offenses, the court decided to throw the book at the repeat offender.
Pro Tip 2/3Severity
It highlights the strongest possible action against someone, showing no leniency.
The principal decided to throw the book at the students for their prank.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Speech
Understand that it's a figurative term; no physical book is used.
When I lied about finishing my chores, my parents decided to throw the book at me.
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Connotations
This phrase often appears in legal contexts, implying strict punishment within the law's full extent.
After repeated offenses, the court decided to throw the book at the repeat offender.
Pro Tip 2/3Severity
It highlights the strongest possible action against someone, showing no leniency.
The principal decided to throw the book at the students for their prank.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Speech
Understand that it's a figurative term; no physical book is used.
When I lied about finishing my chores, my parents decided to throw the book at me.
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