take somebody to task
take (one) to task
To scold, reprimand, lecture, or hold one accountable for some wrong or error they committed. Mom took me to task over my terrible report card. You don't have to take everyone to task who misuses the word "literally," you know.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
take somebody to ˈtask (about/for/over something)
criticize somebody forcefully (for doing something wrong): I was taken to task for arriving late. ♢ She took the Government to task over its economic record. OPPOSITE: give somebody/yourself a pat on the backFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017