be brought to book

be brought to book

To receive a formal punishment for a misdeed or wrongdoing. I'm really worried that I'll be brought to book for my outburst during the meeting. I just hope I don't get fired.See also: book, brought

be brought to book

BRITISHCOMMON If someone is brought to book, they are punished officially for something wrong that they have done. No-one has yet been brought to book for a crime which outraged Italy. Note: Originally, if someone was brought to book, they were ordered to prove that something they had said or done agreed with a written rule or agreement. See also: book, brought