take to task, to
To reprimand; to blame or censure. This term was used from the mid-eighteenth century to mean either assigning or challenging someone to a task. In its present meaning, it has been current only since the late nineteenth century. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle employed it in Captain Polestar (1890): “My employer took me severely to task.” It sounds a bit stilted now and may be dying out. 🚶♂️💨
Related Terms & Synonyms:
- Scold
- Chastise
- Berate
- Dress down
- Reprove
- Reprimand
- Admonish
Antonyms:
- Praise
- Commend
- Compliment
- Applaud
Humorous Quote:
“To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did. I ought to know because I’ve done it a thousand times.”
- Mark Twain 😜
Proverbs:
“He who sows reproofs reaps friends” - Not real but wouldn’t it be nice?
Literary References:
- Literature:
- Captain Polestar by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Mrs. Bennet often takes Elizabeth ’to task')
- Books:
- “The Art of Verbal Self-Defense” by Suzette Haden Elgin
- Songs:
- “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister 🎸
- Poetry:
- “Remember” by Christina Rossetti
- Movies:
- The Devil Wears Prada - (Miranda Priestly, anyone?😏)
Quizzes:
Sending you off with a thought-provoking farewell, dear reader: “Reproof may not be easy to hear, but it often steers us towards our truest selves.” 🌟 Until next time, remember, words are your sword and shield! - Lexi Penchant
