bring somebody to book
bring (one) to book
To confront or question one about one's wrongdoings, often as a precursor to punishment. That's it—the next time I see Rachel, I'm bringing her to book! I simply can't tolerate her selfish behavior any longer. I'm sure the boss is going to bring me to book for my outburst during the meeting. I just hope I don't get fired. You did break into his house, so I suspect his lawyer will bring you to book soon enough.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
bring somebody to ˈbook (for something)
(formal, especially British English) make somebody explain their actions, or punish them: This is just another of the many crimes for which nobody was ever brought to book.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
References in periodicals archive
"No doubt that is because of the natural anxiety, if not the pressure, on those investigating the offence to
bring somebody to book for it."
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