throw the book at

Idioms and Phrases

Punish or reprimand severely, as in I just knew the professor would throw the book at me for being late with my paper . This expression originally meant “sentence a convicted person to the maximum penalties allowed,” the book being the roster of applicable laws. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.

Example Sentences

But working against him is a long pattern of behavior that seems designed in a lab to infuriate a judge, who may also choose to lean on a presentencing report that says to throw the book at Bankman-Fried.

From Slate

"If average New Yorkers went into a bank and submitted false documents, the government would throw the book at them, and the same should be true for former presidents. Last I checked tourism is up. Wall Street is doing just fine."

From Salon

Premier Chris Minns has added: "If there's been a breach of the law then, of course, we'll throw the book at them."

From BBC

She urged the judge to throw the book at Martin because he “is not fit to live in society.”

From Washington Times

She urged the judge to throw the book at Martin because he “is not fit to live in society.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• abuse
• chastise
• correct
• crack down on
• discipline
• dismiss
• execute
• expel
• fine
• harm
• hurt
• incarcerate
• sentence