throw the book at sb
to severely punish someone:
After the accident, the safety inspector threw the book at the company directors.

[TahlilGaran] Advanced Learner's Dictionary ▲

throw the book at
throw the book at (someone)
[informal]
to punish or criticize someone as severely as possible.
It was the fifth time Frank had been arrested for drink-driving, so the judge threw the book at him.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

throw the book at
charge or convict someone of as many crimes or for as much time as possible; to punish someone severely for breaking a rule or the law
The criminal showed almost no remorse so the judge decided to throw the book at him.

The judge threw the book at the man after he was convicted of robbing a bank.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

throw the book at
v. phr., informal To give the most severe penalty to (someone) for breaking the law or rules.
Because it was the third time he had been caught speeding that month, the judge threw the book at him.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

throw the book at someone
throw the book at (someone)
[informal]
to punish or criticize someone as severely as possible.
It was the fifth time Frank had been arrested for drink-driving, so the judge threw the book at him.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

throw the book at someone
charge or convict someone of as many crimes or for as much time as possible; to punish someone severely for breaking a rule or the law
The criminal showed almost no remorse so the judge decided to throw the book at him.

The judge threw the book at the man after he was convicted of robbing a bank.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲