What does “Bring someone to book” mean?

"Bring someone to book" means to hold someone accountable for their actions or to make sure they face the consequences of their actions.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The police are determined to bring the suspect to book for the crime.

Example

The company will not tolerate any unethical behavior and will bring the employee to book if necessary.

Example

It's time to bring the corrupt politicians to book and restore trust in the government

Is “Bring someone to book” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Bring someone to book” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Bring someone to book” effectively in context?

You can use "Bring someone to book" to emphasize the importance of holding someone accountable for their actions or ensuring that they face the consequences. For example, if a friend is complaining about a dishonest coworker, you might say, 'It's time to bring that person to book and report their behavior to the supervisor.'

1Crime
The police are determined to bring the suspect to book for the crime.
2Workplace
The company will not tolerate any unethical behavior and will bring the employee to book if necessary.
3Politics
It's time to bring the corrupt politicians to book and restore trust in the government.

Similar phrases to “Bring someone to book”:

Hold someone accountable

To make someone responsible for their actions and ensure they face the consequences

Example

The organization is determined to hold the employees accountable for their mistakes.

Face the music

To accept the consequences of one's actions

Example

He knew he had made a mistake and was ready to face the music.

Pay the price

To suffer the consequences of one's actions

Example

If you break the rules, you will have to pay the price.

Answer for one's actions

To be held responsible for one's behavior

Example

He will have to answer for his actions in court.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Bring someone to book” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Bring someone to book" is unknown.

Is “Bring someone to book” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Bring someone to book" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to express the need for accountability and justice.

What tone does “Bring someone to book” have?

"Bring someone to book" conveys a tone of seriousness and determination. It is used to highlight the importance of holding individuals responsible for their actions.

Can “Bring someone to book” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Bring someone to book" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as discussions about crime, ethics in the workplace, or political accountability.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The company will bring the employee to book for their misconduct.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "bring them to book"!' to imply the need for accountability.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

hold someone responsible
ensure justice is served
make someone face the consequences
punish someone for their actions
demand accountability

Antonyms

turn a blind eye
let someone off the hook
excuse someone's behavior
ignore someone's wrongdoing
fail to hold someone accountable