Throw the book at (one) In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "throw the book at (one)", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Zesty Y

2022-04-07 04:04

Meaning of Throw the book at (one)

Throw the book at (one) phrase

To inflict the most severe punishment possible on someone; to chastise someone as harshly as possible.

Everyone wants the judge to throw the book at the murderer.

The judge threw the book at him because he committed an offense against humanity.

The police officer wouldn't have thrown the book at you if you hadn't provoked him.

Even after throwing the book at the killer, the judge still bitterly resented him.

Grammar and Usage of Throw the book at (one)

Verb Forms

throwing the book at (one)
threw the book at (one)
thrown the book at (one)

The verb "throw" must be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Throw the book at (one)

This phrase comes from a legal one meaning to sentence an offender to the maximum penalties allowed, the "book" meaning the entire roster of laws and penalties applicable to the particular crime. The legal metaphor was in use in the early twentieth century, and by the middle of the century it was broadened to include reproaches and nonlegal remedies.

The Origin Cited: The free dictionary .