Bring someone to book

Meaning

The idiom "bring someone to book" means to expose or reveal someone's wrongdoings, mistakes, or secrets. It is a figurative expression that implies the person being exposed is guilty of something and will be held accountable for their actions.

Usage

• The whistleblower was successful in bringing the corrupt CEO to book for embezzlement.
• John was always careful not to bring any of his colleagues' mistakes to book.
• The journalist's investigation brought several politicians to book for bribery and corruption.
• The police were able to bring the suspect to book after finding incriminating evidence.
• Sarah had made a mistake, but her boss was able to bring it up in feedback without bringing it to book.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it has been used in English since at least the 16th century. One possible explanation is that it comes from the legal term "bringing someone to justice," which refers to exposing and punishing a person for wrongdoing. Another possibility is that it comes from the ancient practice of burning books or documents as punishment for crimes, which would effectively bring someone's secrets to light.

Synonyms in English

• Expose
• Reveal
• Unearth
• Discover
• Uncover

Synonyms in other languages

• Japanese: 公開する (Koukai Suru) - To make public or reveal information.
• German: Aufdecken (Aufdecken) - To expose or uncover something.
• Spanish: Exponer (Exponer) - To expose or reveal information.
• French: Dévoiler (Dévoiler) - To reveal or uncover information.
• Italian: Apertura (Apertura) - Opening or revealing information to the public.

Similar Idioms

• bag and baggage

• by all means

• bitter medicine