Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
verb
To charge with or convict of as many crimes as possible.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: idiomatic, informal, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To apply the harshest possible punishment to.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: idiomatic, informal, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: throw the rulebook at
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see throw, the, book, at.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
From the metaphor of a large book, containing all the possible laws broken or punishments for a particular crime, being thrown at an offender. Attested since at least 1897.
Across languages
3 source translations are retained for this English entry.
