The judge will throw the book at him for the theft.
throw the book at
idiomTo charge with or convict of as many crimes as possible.
Origin
first recorded 19th c.From the metaphor of a large book, containing all the possible laws broken or punishments for a particular crime, being thrown at an offender. Attested since at least 1897.
Because this was his third time breaking the law, the prosecutor decided to throw the book at him.
Given the severity of the corporate fraud, the authorities vowed to throw the book at every executive involved in the scheme.
- 01
bad books
Disfavor.
- 02
balance the books
To add up all the debits and credits.
- 03
blot one's copy book
To damage one's own reputation through bad behavior.
- 04
book burning
Any mass destruction, removal, or recalling of books, motion pictures, broadcasts, or electronic works as a form of censorship, especially motivated by religious or political objections to the material.
- 05
book dumping
The practice of donating old used books that burden rather than assist communities.
- 06
book in
To check in (to a hotel).
- 07
call someone every name in the book
To call someone many abusive names.
- 08
close the book on
To stop worrying about or trying to do something about; to ignore.
Last updated April 17, 2026