take to task
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (phrasal verb): - To reprimand, scold, or criticize someone severely for a fault or mistake: The phrase "take to task" means to confront and speak angrily or critically to someone about something they have done wrong.
Usage
- This phrasal verb is transitive and requires an object (the person being criticized). It is often followed by "for" to introduce the reason for the reprimand.
- It is used in formal and informal contexts to describe a serious or formal rebuke.
Examples
- The manager took the employee to task for the consistent errors in the report.
- The coach took the team to task after their lackluster performance.
- She was taken to task by the committee for violating the protocol.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can be used in passive voice ("be taken to task").
- It often implies a formal or authoritative reprimand, not just a minor scolding.
Variants and Related Words
- Call on the carpet (idiom, US): To reprimand or scold someone, especially in a formal setting.
- Dress down (phrasal verb): To scold or reprimand someone severely.
- Lambaste (verb): To criticize someone harshly.
Synonyms
- Reprimand
- Rebuke
- Chide
- Admonish
- Berate
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Tell off: To speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong.
- His boss told him off for being late.
- Chew out (informal): To criticize someone angrily.
- She chewed out her assistant for missing the deadline.
Related Idioms
- Give someone a piece of one's mind: To express one's disapproval or anger directly to someone.
- After the mistake, she gave the contractor a piece of her mind.
- Read the riot act: To give someone a severe warning or reprimand.
- The principal read the riot act to the students about bullying.
Verb
- censure severely or angrily
- The mother scolded the child for entering a stranger's car
- The deputy ragged the Prime Minister
- The customer dressed down the waiter for bringing cold soup