در ۱۵ ثانیه
- To severely reprimand or criticize someone.
- Implies holding someone accountable for failure.
- Originates from medieval concepts of duty.
- Use for serious mistakes, not minor issues.
معنی
هنگامی که "کسی را به چالش می کشید" (take someone to task)، شما به شدت او را به خاطر اشتباهی که مرتکب شده، سرزنش یا انتقاد می کنید. این یک پیشنهاد ملایم نیست؛ بلکه یک توبیخ شدید است که اغلب توسط فردی با اقتدار یا کسی که عمیقاً احساس ظلم کرده، بیان می شود. آن را به عنوان یک سخنرانی رسمی و سختگیرانه با هدف اصلاح رفتار در نظر بگیرید.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 12Manager speaking to an underperforming employee
Mr. Harrison had to `take Sarah to task` for consistently missing her sales targets.
Mr. Harrison had to severely criticize Sarah for consistently missing her sales targets.
Parent addressing a child who broke a rule
After finding the broken vase, Mom really `took me to task` about being careless.
After finding the broken vase, Mom really criticized me severely about being careless.
News report about a politician's actions
The opposition party intends to `take the minister to task` over the recent budget scandal.
The opposition party intends to severely criticize the minister over the recent budget scandal.
زمینه فرهنگی
The phrase `take to task` originates from a time when 'task' referred to a formal duty or assignment, often in a military or judicial context. Being 'taken to task' meant being formally called out and held accountable for failing to fulfill that duty. This historical connection imbues the phrase with a sense of official judgment and serious consequence, reflecting a societal value placed on responsibility and the formal structures for enforcing it.
Authority Matters
Remember, `take to task` implies you have some standing to criticize. It's often used by bosses, parents, or officials. Using it without authority can backfire spectacularly!
Echoes of Duty
This phrase carries historical weight from times when 'task' meant a formal duty. Think of it as holding someone accountable for failing a significant responsibility, not just a chore.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- To severely reprimand or criticize someone.
- Implies holding someone accountable for failure.
- Originates from medieval concepts of duty.
- Use for serious mistakes, not minor issues.
What It Means
This phrase means to criticize or scold someone very strongly. It’s like giving them a serious talking-to. You do this when someone has made a mistake or acted inappropriately. It carries a weight of disapproval. It’s not a friendly chat about feelings. It’s a formal, often stern, confrontation. You might feel a bit nervous saying it. The person receiving it will definitely feel uncomfortable. It’s about holding someone accountable. You’re pointing out their fault directly.
Origin Story
The phrase take to task likely comes from medieval times. In those days, a task could refer to a challenge or a formal duty. Knights might be tasked with a mission. If someone failed their task, they might be brought before a judge or lord. They would be formally accused and held responsible. This formal accusation process was like being taken to task. It was a serious matter. Imagine a squire messing up a royal decree. The king would definitely take him to task. It’s a very old way of saying someone is in trouble for failing their duty. It’s not about a to-do list, but a serious assignment.
How To Use It
Use take to task when you need to express strong disapproval. You are confronting someone directly. It’s usually about a specific action or failure. The person doing the taking to task often has some authority. This could be a boss, a parent, or a teacher. You can also use it if you feel strongly about an injustice. You might take to task a public figure. Or maybe a company for bad service. It’s a formal way to show you are not happy. You are calling out bad behavior. It’s not for minor slip-ups. Think big mistakes or repeated offenses. You are making a point very clearly.
Real-Life Examples
- A manager might
take an employee to taskfor missing a crucial deadline. The employee probably didn't get a bonus that year. - A teacher could
take a student to taskfor cheating on an exam. That’s a serious academic offense! - A parent might
take their teenager to taskfor breaking curfew again. Grounded for a month, maybe? - A customer might
take a company to taskonline for terrible customer service. They might post a scathing review. - A coach might
take their team to taskafter a terrible performance. "We need to do better!" - A politician could
take their opponent to taskduring a debate. "Your policies are harmful!"
When To Use It
Use this phrase when the situation is serious. There has been a clear wrongdoing. You need to express strong criticism. The person you are addressing should understand the gravity. It’s often used in professional settings. Think performance reviews or disciplinary actions. It’s also suitable for serious personal matters. When trust has been broken, for example. If you are reporting on a scandal, this phrase fits. It conveys a sense of formal judgment. It’s not a casual complaint. It’s a deliberate act of criticism. It signifies you mean business. You are not letting it slide.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid take to task for minor mistakes. If your friend is five minutes late, don’t take them to task. That’s overkill and a bit dramatic. Don't use it in lighthearted conversations. It sounds too harsh for jokes. Never use it when you are feeling overly emotional. You might say something you regret. It’s not appropriate for casual apologies. If someone says sorry, you don’t need to take them to task. It’s also not for situations where you lack authority. You can’t just take your boss’s boss to task. That’s a recipe for disaster. It implies a level of judgment. Ensure you have the standing to do so. It's not a phrase for a friendly nudge.
Common Mistakes
Many learners struggle with the intensity of this phrase. They might use it for everyday annoyances. This makes the speaker sound overly aggressive. Or they might misunderstand the context. It’s not about a physical task like chores. It's about responsibility and performance.
✗ I need to take my roommate to task for not doing the dishes.
✓ I need to talk to my roommate about doing the dishes.
✗ The teacher took the student to task for being late.
✓ The teacher reprimanded the student for being late.
✗ She took the weather to task for ruining her picnic.
✓ She complained about the weather ruining her picnic.
Similar Expressions
Call someone out: This is similar but often less formal. It means to publicly criticize someone. It can be for a minor issue or a major one. It’s very common on social media.Chastise: This means to reprimand severely. It’s quite formal and old-fashioned. It’s a good synonym fortake to task.Scold: This is a more general term for criticizing someone angrily. It can be formal or informal.Ream someone out: This is a very informal and strong way to criticize someone. It’s definitely not for professional settings.Lecture someone: This implies a long, serious talk about their mistakes. It can be a bit condescending.
Memory Trick
Imagine a medieval knight. He failed his task – maybe he lost the dragon's tooth. The king is furious! He drags the knight before the court. The king points his sword and shouts, "You failed your task! I shall take you to task!" See? It's a formal accusation for failing a big job. Knights, kings, and serious consequences. That’s the vibe.
Quick FAQ
- Is it always angry? Usually, yes. It implies strong disapproval.
- Can I use it for myself? Not really. You
take someone elseto task. - Is it polite? No, it’s a strong criticism. Use with caution.
- What if they didn't do anything wrong? Then you shouldn't use this phrase! It's for actual mistakes.
نکات کاربردی
This is a formal idiom best used when discussing serious criticism or reprimands, particularly when someone has failed to fulfill a duty or responsibility. Avoid using it in casual conversation or for minor issues, as it can sound overly aggressive or out of place. Ensure the context involves a clear wrongdoing and that the speaker has the standing to deliver such criticism.
Authority Matters
Remember, `take to task` implies you have some standing to criticize. It's often used by bosses, parents, or officials. Using it without authority can backfire spectacularly!
Echoes of Duty
This phrase carries historical weight from times when 'task' meant a formal duty. Think of it as holding someone accountable for failing a significant responsibility, not just a chore.
Avoid Overkill!
Using `take to task` for minor slip-ups makes you sound overly harsh or dramatic. Save it for when someone *really* messes up. Your friends might think you need to chill!
Focus on the Failure
The criticism is usually directed at a specific failure or wrongdoing. Be clear about what the person did wrong when you `take them to task`.
مثالها
12Mr. Harrison had to `take Sarah to task` for consistently missing her sales targets.
Mr. Harrison had to severely criticize Sarah for consistently missing her sales targets.
Shows a formal, professional context where an authority figure criticizes a subordinate's performance.
After finding the broken vase, Mom really `took me to task` about being careless.
After finding the broken vase, Mom really criticized me severely about being careless.
Illustrates a parent holding a child accountable for a mistake, conveying strong disapproval.
The opposition party intends to `take the minister to task` over the recent budget scandal.
The opposition party intends to severely criticize the minister over the recent budget scandal.
Highlights the use in a political context, where one party formally challenges another's conduct.
My boss really `took me to task` today because I forgot to send that report. Ugh.
My boss really criticized me severely today because I forgot to send that report. Ugh.
Shows a slightly more casual, personal reflection on being criticized, but the phrase itself remains formal.
Had to `take this restaurant to task` in my review for the awful service. Never again! #badservice #customerservicefail
Had to severely criticize this restaurant in my review for the awful service. Never again!
Demonstrates using the phrase in a public, albeit informal, complaint on social media.
We need to `take the developers to task` about this game-breaking bug. It's unacceptable!
We need to severely criticize the developers about this game-breaking bug. It's unacceptable!
Used in an online community context to express collective frustration and demand accountability from creators.
In my previous role, I had to `take a team member to task` for repeatedly missing deadlines, which impacted our project timeline.
In my previous role, I had to severely criticize a team member for repeatedly missing deadlines, which impacted our project timeline.
Used professionally to describe a difficult but necessary action taken to address poor performance.
✗ I `took my friend to task` for being 2 minutes late.
I criticized my friend severely for being 2 minutes late.
This is an overreaction; the phrase is too strong for such a small issue.
✗ She `took the opportunity to task`.
She used the opportunity for criticism.
The phrase requires a person or entity to be the object of the criticism.
My cat knocked over my coffee, so I had to `take him to task`... he just purred.
My cat knocked over my coffee, so I had to severely criticize him... he just purred.
Used humorously to describe scolding a pet, highlighting the pet's indifference.
As a fan, I felt compelled to `take the author to task` for the disappointing ending of the book series.
As a fan, I felt compelled to severely criticize the author for the disappointing ending of the book series.
Shows how a fan might use the phrase to express strong dissatisfaction with creative work.
We must `take the vendor to task` regarding the late delivery and substandard quality of the goods.
We must severely criticize the vendor regarding the late delivery and substandard quality of the goods.
Used in a business context to formally address a supplier's failure to meet contractual obligations.
خودت رو بسنج
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
The phrase `take someone to task` means to reprimand them severely. This fits the context of a manager addressing an employee for missing a deadline.
Choose the sentence that uses 'take to task' correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option B correctly uses `take to task` to mean criticizing a company for its actions. Options A, C, and D misuse the phrase.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The sentence is already correct. The phrase `take to task` is used appropriately here to describe a stern reprimand following poor performance.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
This situation calls for a strong, formal reprimand due to a serious journalistic error, making `take to task` the most fitting phrase.
Choose the sentence that uses 'take to task' correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase 'take to task' correctly?
Option B correctly applies `take to task` as a severe reprimand for rule-breaking. The other options misuse the phrase.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The sentence is grammatically correct and uses the idiom `take to task` appropriately to mean criticizing the company.
Translate the sentence into English.
The French sentence describes a severe reprimand, which is precisely what `take to task` conveys. The structure requires 'take [person] to task'.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence using the idiom.
This sentence correctly uses `take someone to task` to indicate the boss severely criticized the employee for tardiness.
Translate the sentence into English.
The Spanish phrase `tomar [a alguien] por` in this context means to criticize or reprimand. `Take to task` accurately captures this strong criticism.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The idiom `take to task` requires a person or entity responsible for an action. Weather is an impersonal force, so `blame` is more appropriate.
Choose the sentence that uses 'take to task' correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses 'take to task'?
Option C correctly uses `take to task` to describe a union leader's formal criticism of management regarding a contract. The other options misuse the idiom.
Match the phrase with its correct meaning.
These phrases all involve criticism, but `take to task` specifically implies holding someone accountable for failing a duty or responsibility in a formal manner.
🎉 امتیاز: /12
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality Spectrum: `Take to task`
Too harsh or serious for casual chat.
Don't say 'I took my friend to task for being 5 mins late.'
Can be used, but might sound overly critical.
Maybe use 'called out' instead for social media posts.
Appropriate for professional or serious personal situations.
The manager took the employee to task for missing the deadline.
Suitable for official reports or formal accusations.
The committee took the official to task over the budget.
When Do You `Take Someone to Task`?
Workplace Performance Review
Boss criticizes employee for missed targets.
Academic Discipline
Teacher confronts student about cheating.
Parental Correction
Parent scolds child for breaking rules.
Public Scrutiny
Critics challenge a politician's decision.
Consumer Complaint
Customer formally complains about bad service.
Legal Accountability
Court holds defendant responsible for actions.
Comparing Criticism Phrases
When is `Take to task` Appropriate?
Professional Settings
- • Performance issues
- • Contract violations
- • Ethical breaches
- • Project failures
Serious Personal Matters
- • Betrayal of trust
- • Major irresponsibility
- • Harmful actions
- • Broken promises
Public Accountability
- • Political scandals
- • Corporate misconduct
- • Public figure controversies
- • Systemic issues
When NOT to Use
- • Minor mistakes
- • Casual conversations
- • Humorous situations
- • When lacking authority
بانک تمرین
12 تمرینهاThe manager had to ______ the employee ______ for missing the deadline.
The phrase `take someone to task` means to reprimand them severely. This fits the context of a manager addressing an employee for missing a deadline.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option B correctly uses `take to task` to mean criticizing a company for its actions. Options A, C, and D misuse the phrase.
اشتباه را پیدا و اصلاح کنید:
The coach took the whole team to task after their disappointing performance.
The sentence is already correct. The phrase `take to task` is used appropriately here to describe a stern reprimand following poor performance.
The editor ______ the young journalist ______ for publishing an unverified story.
This situation calls for a strong, formal reprimand due to a serious journalistic error, making `take to task` the most fitting phrase.
Which sentence uses the phrase 'take to task' correctly?
Option B correctly applies `take to task` as a severe reprimand for rule-breaking. The other options misuse the phrase.
اشتباه را پیدا و اصلاح کنید:
He decided to take the faulty appliance company to task.
The sentence is grammatically correct and uses the idiom `take to task` appropriately to mean criticizing the company.
Le directeur a dû réprimander sévèrement le vendeur pour son manque de professionnalisme.
راهنماییها: Think of a strong verb for reprimand., Consider the structure 'take someone to task'.
The French sentence describes a severe reprimand, which is precisely what `take to task` conveys. The structure requires 'take [person] to task'.
کلمات را به ترتیب صحیح مرتب کنید:
روی کلمات بالا کلیک کنید تا جمله بسازید
This sentence correctly uses `take someone to task` to indicate the boss severely criticized the employee for tardiness.
Los críticos tomaron al director por su controvertida decisión.
راهنماییها: The Spanish verb 'tomar' can mean 'to take' here., The phrase implies strong criticism.
The Spanish phrase `tomar [a alguien] por` in this context means to criticize or reprimand. `Take to task` accurately captures this strong criticism.
اشتباه را پیدا و اصلاح کنید:
You can't just take the weather to task for the cancelled flight.
The idiom `take to task` requires a person or entity responsible for an action. Weather is an impersonal force, so `blame` is more appropriate.
Which sentence correctly uses 'take to task'?
Option C correctly uses `take to task` to describe a union leader's formal criticism of management regarding a contract. The other options misuse the idiom.
هر مورد سمت چپ را با جفتش در سمت راست مطابقت دهید:
These phrases all involve criticism, but `take to task` specifically implies holding someone accountable for failing a duty or responsibility in a formal manner.
🎉 امتیاز: /12
آموزشهای ویدیویی
آموزشهای ویدیویی این عبارت را در یوتیوب پیدا کنید.
سوالات متداول
20 سوالIt means to reprimand or criticize someone very severely for something they have done wrong. It's a strong form of disapproval, often implying that the person has failed to meet an expectation or responsibility.
It's generally considered a formal phrase. You'd use it in professional settings, official complaints, or serious personal confrontations, rather than in casual chats with friends.
No, it's best reserved for significant mistakes or failures. Using it for minor issues would be an overreaction and could make you sound unnecessarily aggressive or dramatic.
Typically, someone in a position of authority or someone who feels significantly wronged uses this phrase. Think of bosses, parents, teachers, or perhaps a customer lodging a serious complaint.
'Take to task' is more formal and implies criticism for failing a specific duty or responsibility. 'Call out' is often more public and can be used for a wider range of issues, sometimes less formally.
You can, but be cautious. While it conveys strong criticism, it might sound overly formal or aggressive depending on the platform and audience. Phrases like 'call out' are often more common in social media contexts.
It likely originates from medieval times where a 'task' was a formal duty or assignment. Failing this duty could lead to a formal accusation or challenge, hence being 'taken to task'.
While it often implies anger or strong disapproval, the primary focus is on the severity of the criticism and the holding of someone accountable. It can be delivered sternly but calmly.
This phrasing is unusual. Usually, you 'take *someone else*' to task. If someone said they 'took themselves to task,' they likely mean they engaged in self-criticism or reflection about a mistake they made.
Yes, avoid it in lighthearted conversations, when joking, or when the criticism is minor. It's also inappropriate if you lack the authority or standing to criticize the person involved.
A common mistake is using it for trivial matters or applying it to inanimate objects or abstract concepts, like 'taking the weather to task.' It requires a responsible agent being criticized.
Yes, you can. While anger might be present, the core meaning is about delivering a severe, formal criticism for a failure. You might take someone to task in a very controlled, stern manner without overt anger.
Formal alternatives include 'to censure,' 'to reprimand formally,' or 'to hold accountable.' 'Chastise' is also a similar, though slightly less common, formal term.
While 'take someone to task' is the classic usage, you might occasionally hear 'take something to task,' usually referring to criticizing a plan, decision, or outcome. However, criticizing a person is far more common.
The historical meaning of 'task' as a formal duty or assigned mission emphasizes the element of accountability. When you take someone to task, you're highlighting their failure to fulfill a specific, important obligation.
The emotional weight is significant. It carries connotations of disappointment, seriousness, and often a degree of displeasure or disapproval from the person delivering the criticism.
Yes, it could be used informally to describe a formal criticism or censure within a legal or quasi-legal setting, like a committee holding someone accountable for misconduct.
The opposite would be to praise, commend, or excuse someone. Phrases like 'give someone credit for' or 'overlook a mistake' are conceptually opposite.
It's used in both, though perhaps slightly more common in formal contexts or older literature. It's not regional but carries a formal tone wherever it's used.
If take to task feels too strong, consider softer alternatives like 'to discuss an issue,' 'to address a concern,' or 'to have a word with someone.' Choose based on the severity and your relationship.
عبارات مرتبط
call out
related topicTo publicly criticize someone for something they have done wrong.
Both phrases involve criticism, but 'call out' is often used for public or social media criticism and can be less formal than 'take to task'.
chastise
synonymTo rebuke or reprimand someone severely.
This is a very close synonym, often used in formal contexts to describe strong criticism, similar to 'take to task'.
chew someone out
informal versionTo reprimand someone angrily and at length.
This is a much more informal and emotionally charged version of severe criticism, contrasting with the formal tone of 'take to task'.
hold accountable
related topicTo consider someone responsible for something and potentially impose a penalty.
'Take to task' is a specific way of 'holding someone accountable,' emphasizing the act of criticism and reprimand.
give someone a talking-to
related topicTo speak seriously to someone about something they have done wrong.
This is a milder, more general phrase for criticism, whereas 'take to task' implies a much stronger and more severe reprimand.
censure
formal versionTo express severe disapproval, typically in a formal statement.
This is a highly formal term often used in official contexts (like government or organizations) for strong disapproval, aligning with the formality of 'take to task'.
