In the dock

Meaning

The idiom "in the dock" means to be on trial or facing charges, typically in a court of law. It can also refer to being under investigation or scrutiny, or even being criticized or questioned publicly. The term is derived from the practice of ships being tied up at the 'dock', where they are inspected and held before departure.

Usage

• "The whistleblower was in the dock for exposing corruption within the company."
• "The politician was in the dock for their controversial statements on social media."
• "The defendant was in the dock, awaiting trial for a serious crime."
• "The journalist was in the dock for her investigative reporting on government officials."
• "The athlete was in the dock for failing a doping test."

Roots and History

The idiom is believed to have originated from the practice of ships being tied up at the 'dock', where they were inspected and held before departure. This inspection would often be conducted by officials or port authorities, who would examine the ship's cargo, passengers, and crew. If any irregularities were found, the ship would be impounded or required to undergo further investigation. Over time, the term "in the dock" came to be used metaphorically to describe someone facing charges, investigation, or criticism in a figurative sense. The idiom has remained relatively stable over the past few centuries, but its usage may vary depending on the context.

Synonyms in English

• In the hot seat
• In the spotlight
• Under scrutiny
• Under the microscope
• On trial

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "En el estrado" (meaning 'on stage')
• French: "En plein jour" (meaning 'in the light of day')
• German: "In der Öffentlichkeit" (meaning 'in public')
• Italian: "Aperto" (meaning 'open')
• Dutch: "Ontdekt" (meaning 'uncovered')

Similar Idioms

• at the helm

• in the black

• takes two to tango