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task

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bring (someone) to task

To scold, reprimand, or lecture someone on some wrong or error he or she has committed. Mom brought me to task over the alcohol she found in my car. You don't have to bring everyone to task who misuses the word "literally," you know.

See also: bring, task

equal to the task

Having the necessary ability, talent, qualities, or capability to handle or accomplish a given role or situation. The young soldier proved equal to the task and saved his platoon from an enemy ambush. We need a manager who can lead project initiatives and efficiently direct employees—do you think you're equal to the task?

See also: equal, task

be taken to task (by someone)

To be scolded, rebuked, reprimanded, or held accountable (by someone). I was taken to task by the headmaster for disrupting class again. It's not entirely fair that the bankers are the only ones being taken to task for the economic collapse, when a great many politicians are to blame as well.

See also: taken, task

get taken to task (by someone)

To be scolded, rebuked, reprimanded, or criticized (by someone). I got taken to task by the headmaster for disrupting class again. It's not entirely fair that the bankers are the only ones getting taken to task for the economic collapse, when a great many politicians are to blame as well.

See also: get, taken, task

come to the job with something

 and come to the position with something; come to the task with something

to bring a particular quality to a task or job. She comes to the job with great enthusiasm. Ann comes to this position with a lot of experience.

See also: come, job

take someone to task

to scold or reprimand someone. The teacher took John to task for his bad behavior. I lost a big contract, and the boss took me to task in front of everyone.

See also: take, task

take somebody to task

also take to task somebody

to criticize someone We have gotten many letters that take us to task for including swear words in the dictionary. The article takes to task those movie stars who look like they just rolled out of bed.

See also: take, task

take somebody to task

to criticize someone angrily for something that they have done (often + for ) She took my father to task for getting drunk at my cousin's wedding.

See also: take, task

an uphill battle/fight/struggle

  also an uphill job/task

if something you are trying to do is an uphill struggle, it is very difficult, often because other people are causing problems for you Environmentalists face an uphill struggle convincing people to use their cars less. We're trying to expand our business, but it's an uphill battle.

See also: battle, uphill

take to task

Upbraid, scold; blame or censure. For example, The teacher took Doris to task for turning in such a sloppy report. This term, dating from the mid-1700s, at first meant either assigning or challenging someone to a task. Its current sense dates from the late 1800s.

See also: take, task

task with

v.

To give someone or something some task: The president tasked the committee with investigating the accident. The accounting group was tasked with the responsibility of producing a budget report.

See also: task

on task

mod. paying attention to the job at hand. I find it hard to stay on task with all those babes going by.

See also: on, task