throw the book at
Definition of throw the book at
informal
: to punish (someone) as severely as possible The judge threatened to throw the book at him if he committed another offense.
From the M-W Editors
Word by Word Definitions
: to propel through the air by a forward motion of the hand and arm
: to propel through the air in any manner
: pitch
: a set of written sheets of skin or paper or tablets of wood or ivory
: a set of written, printed, or blank sheets bound together between a front and back cover
: a long written or printed literary composition
: to register (something, such as a name) for some future activity or condition (as to engage transportation or reserve lodgings)
: to schedule engagements for
: to set aside time for
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up throw the book at? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!