Take to task

From Fresh Dictionary

English

Phrasal verb

take (somebody) to task

1. ((idiomatic{{#if:|, {{{2}}}{{#if:|, {{{3}}}{{#if:|, {{{4}}}{{#if:|, {{{5}}}{{#if:|, {{{6}}}{{#if:|, {{{7}}}{{#if:|, {{{8}}}{{#if:|, {{{9}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}})) to lecture, berate, or hold somebody accountable for their actions

   The teacher really took him to task for his consistent tardiness.

Usage notes

• Used with about or for, as in the example.
• Primarily US usage.