IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishthrow the book at someone
Meaning: To give someone the harshest penalty or punishment allowed by law, or to impose any severe sentence or punishment.
Example: “The judge threw the book at the repeat offender.”
Origin: The book refers to a book of laws, and throwing it at someone means applying the maximum sentence a judge can legally impose upon a person convicted of a crime.
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Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- Al draagt een aap een gouden ring, het is en blijft een lelijk ding Fine adornment doesn't change what someone really is.
- 's Lands wijs, 's lands eer Respect the customs of the country you are in.
- Door schade en schande wordt men wijs People learn from their losses and embarrassments.
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