threw the book at
Imposed maximum penalty
Threw the book at means to impose the maximum penalty or punishment available.
The image is of a judge hurling the entire law book—every possible charge and sentence—at a defendant: The prosecutor threw the book at him for the robbery.
More loosely, it means to criticize or punish severely: My parents threw the book at me when I wrecked the car.
- scoldedHarshly reprimanded
- read the riot actSeverely warn of consequences
- penaltyPunishment for wrongdoing
- maximum sentenceLongest term a judge can impose
- justiceFair treatment under law
court of law · punishment · law · long arm of the law · judge · consequences · face the music · prosecution · accountability · charge · sentencing · hard time · chastised · indictment · gavel · cracked down · lambasted · reprimand
threw the book atlet off the hook
cut some slack · handled with kid gloves · turned a blind eye · looked the other way · let slide
threw the book atlet off the hook
pardoned · forgave · let slide · swept under the rug · excused
throw, threw, thrown, throwing, throws, thrower, book, books, booked