[Idiom] THROW THE BOOK AT SOMEONE. - Facing Consequences: Understanding Strict Actions!

Punish severely.

To "throw the book at someone" means to punish someone as severely as possible. It comes from the image of a judge sentencing someone using the fullest extent of the law, almost as if throwing a book of laws at them. It's used in contexts where someone is facing serious repercussions for their actions.

Example Sentences

1. The judge decided to throw the book at the offender for repeated violations.

   The judge imposed the maximum possible penalties for repeated violations.

2. If you keep breaking the rules, they'll throw the book at you.

   If you keep breaking the rules, they will impose severe penalties.

3. In an effort to set an example, the principal threw the book at the students caught cheating.

   To set an example, the principal imposed the maximum penalties on the students caught cheating.