in dock
1. Literally, of a boat or ship, moored at a dock. My uncle owns a small river boat in Cambridge, but it's been in dock for years. What's the point of even having a boat if you keep it in dock all the time? My boat is in dock just ahead. We'll get her out on the water in no time!
2. In custody for a crime. Primarily heard in UK. A former aide of the slain member of parliament is in dock on suspicions of involvement in his murder. Police have issued a statement that they're closing in on the fugitive and should have him in dock within 48 hours. Of course I'm panicking, I just got a phone call from the police station that my son is in police custody!
3. In trouble with a figure or body of authority. Primarily heard in UK. The football manager may be in dock after making a series of inflammatory comments about the referee overseeing last night's match. You'll certainly be in dock if you sass the headmaster like that! How did you end up in dock with the bobbies down here?
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