take to task
Call someone out
Take to task is to criticize or reprimand someone for a fault or failure: The manager took him to task for missing the deadline.
The phrase implies holding someone accountable, demanding they answer for their actions.
It carries more weight than a casual complaint—closer to a formal scolding or calling out.
- berateCriticize severely and lengthily
- scoldRebuke harshly
- chideRebuke mildly
- upbraidCriticize harshly, verbally
- reproveCensure for wrongdoing
give an earful · rebuke · call out · rake over the coals · castigate · arraign · admonish · reproach · reprimand · read the riot act · lambaste · lay into · tear into · condemn · chew out · criticize · censure · tax
take to taskpraise
Expression of approval
commend · laud · compliment · applaud · extol
take to taskoverlook
Miss or commanding view
let slide · ignore · excuse · look the other way · let off the hook
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