throw the book at

Verb

Meaning

(transitive, idiomatic, informal) To charge with or convict of as many crimes as possible.

(transitive, idiomatic, informal) To apply the harshest possible punishment to.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see throw,‎ the,‎ book,‎ at.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Synonyms

scalp

Antonyms

amnesty exculpate

Examples

According to Hearne, violations like that May 24 encounter are common on Lake Mead, but he doesn’t have to throw the book at them every time. Source: Internet

FA disciplinary beaks are ready to throw the book at the 34-year-old who is set to be charged with an “aggravated breach” of Rule E3 (2) by his Twitter comments. Source: Internet

“I hope they really throw the book at this guy,” said one comment on the Japan Today website. Source: Internet

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we’re coming after you and we’ll throw the book at you.” Source: Internet

“My message to the criminals out there hasn’t changed: We’re coming after you, and we’ll throw the book at you and we’re going to put you behind bars,” he said. Source: Internet

I hope they throw the book at her. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms

throw the baby out with the bath water throw the baby out with the bathwater throw the ball throw the book at someone throw the bull around throw the game