be taken to task (by someone)
To be scolded, rebuked, reprimanded, or held accountable (by someone). I was taken to task by the headmaster for disrupting class again. It's not entirely fair that the bankers are the only ones being taken to task for the economic collapse, when a great many politicians are to blame as well. Lots of people misuse the word "literally," and I'm pretty sure none of them want to be taken to task about it.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.