taken to task
Held to account
Taken to task means scolded or called out for a failing or mistake.
Someone taken to task receives pointed criticism for something they did wrong or neglected to do: She was taken to task by her supervisor for missing the deadline.
The phrase implies being held accountable, often publicly or formally.
- rebukedSharply criticized for fault
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- chewed outHarshly criticized verbally
- blameAssign responsibility for wrongdoing
scolding · told off · answerable · held accountable · dress down · reproach · reckoning · censure · upbraid · read the riot act · raked over the coals · criticism · chastise · fault-finding · called out · tongue-lashing · shame · challenged
- humiliationashamed, abasement, embarrassed, chagrin, mortified
taken to taskpraised
Expressed approval of
commended · applauded · lauded · complimented · congratulated
taken to tasklet off the hook
excused · forgiven · let slide · overlooked · pardoned
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