throw the book at

== English == === Etymology === 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. === Pronunciation === === Verb === throw the book at (third-person singular simple present throws the book at, present participle throwing the book at, simple past threw the book at, past participle thrown the book at) (transitive, idiomatic, informal) To charge with or convict of as many crimes as possible. (transitive, idiomatic, informal) To apply the harshest possible punishment to. Synonym: throw the rulebook at Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see throw,‎ the,‎ book,‎ at. ==== Translations ====