Throw the book at someone idioms by the free dictionary. Having bought this book especially for my tutoring the english language to nonenglish speakers, i am extremely happy with the basic layout of the book as well as the fact that they do not only state the idiom expression and explain its meaning but they also put in examples as to how to use the relevant statement. Definition and synonyms of throw the book at someone from the online english dictionary from macmillan education this is the british english definition of throw the book at someone. Throw the book at one idioms by the free dictionary. Native english speakers, or of any language for that matter, naturally inherit the knowledge to know what idioms mean because they have the benefit of hearing them every day as they grow up.
I did not go to work today, as i was feeling a bit under the weather. These examples are from the cambridge english corpus and from sources on the web. Throw the book at definition of throw the book at by. Read also about foreign audiences missing word connotation. Definition of throw the book at from the collins english dictionary. Idioms are used widely in everyday speech and appear in every form of written text like poetry, prose, and even scientific or business writing. They come up all the time in both written and spoken english. Throw the book at someone phrase meaning, pronunciation and more by macmillan dictionary. Idioms are a unique way to get your point across, and show just how fun language can be. Idiomatic expression is the extension of the idea of an idiom, using it as the basis of the. Take a look at our selection of phrase examples below. Best idiom synonyms for throw book at related to assail are cast aspersions upon, cast doubt upon and cut to shreds.
Learn definitions, uses, and phrases with throw the book. What is an example of an idiom in the giver answers. Throw the book at someone meaning in the cambridge. The judge threatened to throw the book at me if i didnt stop.
An idiom is a group of words whose meaning is figurative and different from the actual words of the expression. It seems that the phrase was originated in britain somewhere between the late 1970s and early 1980s. Definition of throw the book at someone in the idioms dictionary. The book is an imaginary book of rules or of offences and their prescribed penalties. Throw someone in at the deep end to make someone deal with something difficult without preparing them for it. A phrase is a group of words that express a concept and is used as a unit within a sentence. Have throw a fit t o get very angry and shout or become violent. What does throw the book at somebody expression mean.
This then was generalized to throwing the book at, meaning sentencing criminals to the maximum time for their offence. To throw the book at someone definition and meaning. Lets explore some idiom examples in american everyday language, international language, and the language of the arts. An idiom is a form of figurative language idioms are classified as figurative language, which is the use of words in an unusual or imaginative manner. I have my final exam today, but i am feeling under the weather.
The prosecuting attorneydetermined to try to get the trial judge to throw the book at him, which means give him the limit. My daughters a real bookworm she reads at least 10 books a month. Janet quitting her job because her ex started working there is a classic example of throwing out the baby with the. I think that i am always the one that people throw under the bus first. However, bear in mind that using an idiom could throw a spanner in the works. Idiom examples you find idioms everywhere in books, newspapers, magazines, radio, televisions and in conversations. When a boxer is being hit too much, is losing the fight and has great difficultly to continue, then sometimes his coach or trainer will throw a towel or a sponge into the boxing ring to signal that the fight is over.
An idiom is an expression, the meaning of which is dependent on cultural context and social understanding. View american english definition of throw the book at someone change your default dictionary to american english. This guide will go over a large list of common american english idioms and their meanings, along with examples to help you better understand the context you need to use them in. If someone in authority throws the book at someone who has committed an offence, they give the offender the greatest punishment that they are allowed to. Throw the book at definition, a handwritten or printed work of fiction or nonfiction, usually on sheets of paper fastened or bound together within covers. Throw the book definition of throw the book by merriamwebster. Throw cast caution to the winds to stop being careful and do something that you know has risks. If you take a leaf page out of someones book, you copy something that they did or take it as an example for your own life. Explore idioms by topics, this huge list of topics contains a variety of famous idioms related to various topics.
Nov, 2015 what does the idiom throw the book at mean. Rocky was told by his trainer that he was going to throw in the towel in if he did not start throwing punches. Throw the book at throw the book at meaning english idioms throw the book at examples. Although, the exact origin of this phrase has been a big mystery. Now that youve seen some suitable examples of idioms for kids you can see that its a piece of cake to show your witty side by using an idiom in writing or conversation. Throw definition, to propel or cast in any way, especially to project or propel from the hand by a sudden forward motion or straightening of the arm and wrist. Idioms are powerful expressions because in just a few words they can convey a lot of. Throw the book at article about throw the book at by the. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the cambridge dictionary editors or of cambridge university press or its licensors. Mark twain often used idioms, which can be jarring since idioms change over time and some are dated now. Examples of throw the book at in a sentence throw the book at. What is an example of an idiom from a book answers. If someone in authority throws the book at someone who has committed an offence, they. Literally translated, theyre a bunch of gibberish, but to native speakers, theres often no better way to express a particular feeling or sum up a situation.
An idiom is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal meaning. Learn idiom definition, common idioms list in english with meaning, idiom examples and esl pictures. Throw the book at someone definition in the cambridge. Throw the book at definition is to punish someone as severely as possible. Because idioms dont always make sense literally, youll need to familiarize yourself with the meaning and usage of each idiom. A set of written, printed, or blank pages fastened along one side and encased between protective covers. English speakers use idioms constantly, which can be amusing or frustrating for those still learning the language. Before you start to focus too much on silly phrases like idioms, itd be worth it to work on. But, after living with a certain group of people for a period of time, youll start to pick up their expressions. Throw the book at throw the book at meaning english. Some laws or rules can be somewhat lenient, depending on the judge or person in charge.
The meaning of the idiom is not predictable based on its constituent elements, but is. Definition of throw the book at him in the idioms dictionary. Its shocking to know how my dad got thrown under the bus by his colleague. Throw the book at someone definition of throw the book. Throw the book at definition and meaning collins english. The expression dates from the 1930s and is of american origin. Throw the book at someone definition of throw the book at. To make all possible charges against a lawbreaker, for example.
Idiom definition to throw the book at to punish or criticize someone as severely as possible. Throw the book at definition of throw the book at by merriam. Throw the book at somebody idioms by the free dictionary. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Reason 2 idioms can make your writing more engaging. Throw the book at someone definition at, a free online dictionary with pronunciation, synonyms and translation.
I have a final exam tomorrow, so i need to hit the books tonight. Definition of throw the book at somebody in the idioms dictionary. The 25,000 idiom s in english language are figures of speech which assist in expressing a particular idea with ease. Fred had egg on his face embarrassed after claiming he could climb the tree but then having to give up. If taken literally, you would think that someone with cold feet has cold feet. For example, the idiom, to kick the bucket doesnt actually speak about a person kicking a bucket. Elmore leonard often uses them for his characters, often criminals, whether bostonians or valley girls. I wish you to tie the knot, a harmonious union lasting a hundred years. To throw the book at someone definition and meaning collins.
A stones throw is an idiom that has been in use since the 1500s, though its popularity grew in the 1700s. Yourdictionary has lots of examples of different types of idioms. What is the meaning of the idiom take a leaf out of somebodys book. Synonyms for throw book at 7 idioms related to assail. More examples of idioms here are some more examples of idioms. An idiom is the expression from which figurative meaning can be derived. When the word is associated with several idioms, they are often listed at the end of the entry. I made the police officer angry, so he took me to the station and threw the book at me. Definition of throw the book at in the idioms dictionary. Although the precise origin of this phrase is not known but it can be correlate with other idioms which starts with the term hit the for example hit the nail on the head or hit the sack. Here is the list of popular idioms with example sentences to help you understand more the meaning of each idiom. What does throw the book at someone expression mean.
The judge let me off with a warning after two speeding tickets. To punish someone as much as the laws or rules allow. You may have gotten off lightly in the past, benny, but this time were going to throw the book at you. Throw definition in the cambridge english dictionary. The british english form of this idiom is put a spanner i. Idioms are classified as figurative language the use of words in an unusual or imaginative manner. Throw the book at him idioms by the free dictionary.
To throw the book at someone is 1932, from notion of judge sentencing a criminal from a law book full of possible punishments. Definition of throw the book at one in the idioms dictionary. I think the da wanted to appear tough on crime, since shes seeking reelection. The problem of how to motivate employees can be a tough nut to crack a difficult problem sometimes. To make as many charges as possible against an offender. In some cases the meaning of the original expression has been lost, or is an archaism. Throw the book at definition of throw the book at by the. Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples log in dictionary. Sheena was feeling a bit under the weather, so she decided not to go to the movie with her friends. They develop from older usage, where the words mean something other than their literal meaning. According to etymonline the saying dates back to 1932 and refers to a law book during sentencing. Throw the book is contained in 1 match in merriamwebster dictionary. Figurative language is typically used to express an.