in the dock
Standing before judge
In the dock describes someone on trial, standing in the enclosed area of a courtroom where the accused sits during proceedings.
The phrase extends to any situation where someone faces judgment or scrutiny: The CEO found himself in the dock over the company's environmental record.
Chiefly British.
- under fireBeing attacked or criticized
- on trialUnder legal judgment
- defendantParty facing charges
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
legal proceedings · day in court · finger-pointing · character assassination · scapegoat · judge · in trouble · in hot water · cross-examination · verdict · sentencing · jury · plea bargain · indictment · witness · defensiveness · shame · accused
in the dockexonerated
Cleared of wrongdoing
acquitted · found not guilty · cleared · vindicated · off the hook
in the dockat liberty
Free from confinement
free to go · released · discharged · uncharged · walking the streets