Bring to book meaning: The idiom “bring to book” is an idiomatic expression often used in informal contexts. It means to hold someone accountable for their actions, to confront them about their wrongdoings, or to make them face the consequences of their behavior.
It suggests that someone’s actions have been noticed and that they will be required to explain or justify themselves.
In summary, “bring to book” is an idiom used to describe the act of holding someone accountable and making them face the consequences of their actions, typically in response to misconduct, wrongdoing, or unethical behavior.
This Blog Includes:
Also Read: In the Soup Meaning, Examples, Synonyms
Bring to Book Meaning and Usage with Examples
The idiom “bring someone to book” is used to hold someone accountable for something they did. Whether it be a crime or something done to another person, it means forcing the offender to acknowledge their mistake, offer a public apology, or face the consequences of their conduct.
Mentioned below are some examples where you can use the idiom bring to book:
- The politician’s corruption scandals were exposed, and the public demanded that he be brought to book to restore trust in the government.
- After years of financial fraud, the CEO of the company was finally brought to book by the authorities and sentenced to prison.
- The teacher brought the misbehaving student to book, making him apologize to the class and take responsibility for his disruptive behavior.
Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings
Synonyms and Similar Words to Bring to Book
Mentioned below are some synonyms and related words to bring someone to book:
- Call on the carpet
- Read the riot act
- Take to task
- Tongue-lash
Bring to Book Meaning Quiz
01. What does the idiom “bring to book” mean?
a) To write a book about someone
b) To hold someone accountable for their actions
c) To gift someone a book
d) To praise someone for their knowledge
Answer: b) To hold someone accountable for their actions
02. Which of the following is a synonym for “bring to book”?
a) Reward someone
b) Punish someone
c) Teach someone
d) Encourage someone
Answer: b) Punish someone
03. The idiom “bring to book” is often used in the context of:
a) Justice and law enforcement
b) Cooking recipes
c) Travel and tourism
d) Book publishing
Answer: a) Justice and law enforcement
04. What is the origin of the idiom “bring to book”?
a) Derived from financial accounting records
b) Originated from storytelling traditions
c) Comes from ancient religious texts
d) Related to the invention of the printing press
Answer: a) Derived from financial accounting records
05. Which sentence correctly uses “bring to book”?
a) The teacher asked the students to bring their books.
b) The corrupt officials were brought to book for their crimes.
c) She went to the library to bring a book.
d) He was brought to book for writing an excellent novel.
Answer: b) The corrupt officials were brought to book for their crimes.
06. If a criminal is “brought to book,” what has likely happened?
a) They have been arrested and punished
b) They have written a book
c) They have won an award
d) They have received a pardon
Answer: a) They have been arrested and punished
07. What part of speech is the idiom “bring to book”?
a) Noun
b) Verb phrase
c) Adjective
d) Adverb
Answer: b) Verb phrase
08. Which of these phrases means the opposite of “bring to book”?
a) Let off the hook
b) Hold accountable
c) Take legal action
d) Punish severely
Answer: a) Let off the hook
09. Choose the correct usage of “bring to book” in a sentence.
a) The coach brought his players to book for skipping practice.
b) He brought his book to school.
c) The librarian brought to book a new novel.
d) She was happy to bring to book a bestseller.
Answer: a) The coach brought his players to book for skipping practice.
10. In a news headline, if someone is said to be “brought to book,” what does it imply?
a) They are under investigation for wrongdoing
b) They have written a famous book
c) They have received an award for literature
d) They have opened a bookstore
Answer: a) They are under investigation for wrongdoing
Check out other Idioms here:
FAQs
The idiom “bring to book” means to hold someone accountable, investigate, or punish them for wrongdoing, often in a legal or disciplinary context, ensuring justice or consequences for their actions.
Here are the synonyms:
– Held accountable,
– Punished,
– Called to account,
– Taken to task,
– Brought to justice
The idiom “brought to book” originates from legal and accounting practices in England. In historical times, financial and legal records were meticulously kept in books. When someone was accused of wrongdoing, they were required to refer to the official records (“books”) for accountability. This practice of checking records to enforce justice led to the phrase “bring to book”, meaning to hold someone accountable or punish them for their actions.
This was all about the idiom bring to book meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where its used. For more such Learn English blogs, follow Leverage Edu.