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3. bring to book

bring to book

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bring somebody to book

  (British & Australian)

to punish someone (usually passive) A crime has been committed and whoever is responsible must be brought to book.

See also: book, bring

bring to book

Call to account, investigate. For example, He was acquitted, but one day soon he'll be brought to book, or As for your records, the IRS is sure to bring you to book concerning your tax deductions. This term uses book in the sense of "a written record," such as an account book or ledger. [c. 1800]

See also: book, bring

bring to book

To demand an explanation from; call to account.

See also: book, bring