throw the book at

English

Etymology

This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term.

Verb

throw the book at

  1. (transitive, idiomatic, informal) To charge with or convict of as many crimes as possible.
  2. (transitive, idiomatic, informal) To apply the harshest possible punishment to.
    • 1926, Will James, Cowboys north and south‎, page 95:
      The judge, not weeping any, throws the book at him, which means he gives Bob the limit.
  3. Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see throw,‎ the,‎ book,‎ at.
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