throw the book at
English
Etymology
This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term.
Verb
throw the book at
- (transitive, idiomatic, informal) To charge with or convict of as many crimes as possible.
- (transitive, idiomatic, informal) To apply the harshest possible punishment to.
- 1926, Will James, Cowboys north and south, page 95:
- The judge, not weeping any, throws the book at him, which means he gives Bob the limit.
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- Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see throw, the, book, at.