take to court
File a lawsuit
Take to court means to initiate legal proceedings against someone, bringing a dispute before a judge for resolution.
The phrase implies formal action rather than settling matters privately: If they don't pay for the damages, I'll take them to court.
It covers civil suits, not criminal charges, which are brought by the state rather than individuals.
- indictFormally charge with crime
- press chargesFormally accuse someone criminally
- prosecuteBring criminal charges
- sueBring legal action
- lawsuitCivil court proceeding
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