The judge wanted to teach the thief a lesson.
teach someone a lesson
idiomTo punish someone for a serious transgression they have committed so that they do not commit it again.
After the teenager stole from the store, his father decided to teach him a lesson by making him work for free.
The harsh penalty was intended to teach the corrupt official a lesson, ensuring he would never again abuse his position of power.
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as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
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beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
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bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
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bring someone to their knees
To defeat and make submit to orders.
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call someone every name in the book
To call someone many abusive names.
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call someone everything but a child of God
To call someone many abusive names.
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catch someone napping
To take advantage of someone's inattention.
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cry someone a river
To weep profusely or excessively in the presence of another person.