Dictionary

throw the book at en · VERB

Pronunciation

• (Australia) audio

Etymology

From the metaphor of a large book, containing all the possible laws broken or punishments for a particular crime, being thrown at an offender. Attested since at least 1897.

Meanings

1. (idiomatic, informal, transitive) To charge with or convict of as many crimes as possible.
   • COURT THROWS BOOK AT HIM: ... Thomas Pasco, beggar, got everything the statutes would permit Judge Binkle to give him yesterday afternoon. 1903 September 9, “COURT THROWS BOOK AT HIM”, in Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA, page 5:
2. (idiomatic, informal, transitive) To apply the harshest possible punishment to.
   • The judge, not weeping any, throws the book at him, which means he gives Bob the limit. 1926, Will James, Cowboys north and south, page 95:
   • [C]riminals ... dreaded to be brought into his court, as a conviction meant a severe sentence. As one criminal expressed it to another, "The judge throws the book at you." 1897 December 12, “Light Sentences for Criminals”, in Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle, WA, page 16:
3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see throw, the, book, at.

Forms

Synonyms

throw the rulebook at

Translations (3)

pl zasądzać najwyższy wymiar kary (charging with as many crimes as possible) · pl powiedzieć do słuchu (applying the harshest punishment) · pl zasądzić najwyższy wymiar kary (charging with as many crimes as possible)