To Reprimand: Taking You to Task for Dying Clichés
The phrase “to take to task” has a storied past dragging itself from the mid-eighteenth century to the late nineteenth century and still holding on by a thread to modern dialogues. Let’s dive into this almost archaic expression with humorous lenses and sprinkle some entertainment along the way.
Definition and Current Usage
- Definition: To reprimand, blame, or censure.
- Synonyms: Scold, chide, rebuke, criticize, lambast.
- Antonyms: Praise, commend, applaud, laude.
“He took me to task for using clichés. I told him to take one to task and show it who’s boss!”
⭐ Humorous Moments:
- “My teacher took me to task for sleeping in class. To which I valiantly stated that I was just inspecting my eyelids for cracks!”
📖 Literature & References:
- Captain Polestar by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1890): Doyle grossly highlights formal reprimands in contexts less familiar to today’s youthful lingo.
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843): The ghost of Christmas Past often takes Scrooge to task for his miserly ways.
🎥 Movies & Series:
- Whiplash (2014): Offers a robust portrayal of taking one to task in the rigorous world of music.
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006): Miranda Priestly takes everyone to task with impressive precision.
🎶 Songs:
- “Take This Job and Shove It” by Johnny Paycheck: An anthem for all who’ve been taken to task a little too tightly.
Common Proverbs and Expressions:
- “Spare the rod, spoil the child”: Certainly embodies taking to task literally, if a bit harshly.
- “A stitch in time saves nine”: Frequently used in conjunction with taking someone to task to prevent greater issues.
Thought-Provoking Farewell 🥂:
May you continue to navigate linguistic mazes and take life’s clichés to task—if only to weave your own unique tapestry of language.
Engage with a Quiz! 📋
### Which of these idioms means to reprimand?
- [x] Take someone to task
- [ ] Put someone on cloud nine
- [ ] Hit someone up
- [ ] Throw someone under the bus
> **Explanation:** "Take someone to task" is about reprimands. "Put on cloud nine" refers to happiness, "Hit up": contacting someone, "Throw under bus": betrayal.
### True or False: 'Take someone to task' is still in common usage today.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** While still recognized, "Take to task" is less common today, felt stilted and possibly facing a slow demise.
### **Which of these phrases is NOT a real idiom?**
- [ ] Let the cat out of the bag
- [ ] Under the weather
- [x] Kicking a shopping cart down the aisle
- [ ] Raining cats and dogs
> **Explanation:** "Kicking a shopping cart down the aisle" is made up. The rest are established English idioms.
