take to task

take someone to task

to criticize someone angrily for something that they have done. She took my father to task for getting drunk at my cousin's wedding. (often + for)

See also: take, task

---

take someone to task

to criticize someone. We have gotten many letters that take us to task for including swear words in the dictionary. The article takes to task those movie stars who look like they just rolled out of bed.

See also: take, task