proceed against

proceed against (someone or something)

1. Of a soldier or group of soldiers, to advance against an enemy unit in combat. We proceeded against the enemy encampment as planned, striking at exactly 2 AM. Our squad was ordered to proceed against the soldiers protecting the border.
2. To move forward with legal action against someone or something. The human rights group confirmed that its lawsuit is proceeding against the government after a judge threw out a motion for dismissal. She indicated that she wished to proceed against the neighbor who was responsible for the damage to her property.
See also: proceed
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

proceed against someone or something

 
1. to begin to move against someone or something. The entire platoon proceeded against the single enemy soldier who refused to surrender. The army proceeded against the fortress as planned.
2. to start legal action against someone or something. The district attorney will proceed against the suspect next week. The state prosecutor will proceed against the company as soon as one of the witnesses is located.
See also: proceed
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • gang up against (someone or something)
  • declare war against
  • declare war against (someone or something)
  • get up against
  • get up against (someone or something)
  • clash
  • clash against
  • clash against (someone or something)
  • against
  • against (someone or something)
References in classic literature
The old man could not proceed against them, and they were afraid to proceed against him.
Jerry of the Islands
But when it is necessary for him to proceed against the life of someone, he must do it on proper justification and for manifest cause, but above all things he must keep his hands off the property of others, because men more quickly forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony.
Prince
Having made the discovery, he took no advantage of it till the news reached him of Sir Percival's death, and then, as I told you, he acted for himself, because he believed you would next proceed against the dead man's partner in the conspiracy.
The Woman in White
The creditor is at liberty to sell your property, and proceed against you according to the law."
Crime And Punishment
Supreme Court had on March 15 last year asked the Gujarat Magistrate Court not to proceed against the journalist of the web portal till the matter is being heard in connection with the case.
SC allows Wire editor, journalist to withdraw petition seeking quashing of defamation case
A Pakistan Bar Council executive member told The Express Tribune that the decision to proceed against any judge who is found to be inefficient is getting increasingly unavoidable.
In a first, SJC quizzes LHC judge about delay in cases
The statement added that the board has extensive plans to pursue and legally proceed against those persons who are liable to file returns but don't file it by this extended date.
FBR extends returns filing date to April 30
The FBR already warned that it has extensive plans to pursue and legally proceed against those persons who are liable to file returns but don't file it by this extended date.
FBR extends returns filing date to April 30
If a political party does not comply with the law governing political parties then the Election Commission must proceed against it in accordance with the law, ' the judgement reads.
Faizabad sit-in: SC orders action against extremists, hate-mongers
" style="font-weight: 400The ECP must proceed against a political party if it does not comply with the laws governing parties.
A landmark judgement
The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) on Wednesday imposed fine of Rs 0.2 million on a homoeopathic doctor, sealed his clinic and sent his case to the council concerned to proceed against him.
PHC imposes fine on homoeopathic doctor, clinic sealed
There exists sufficient grounds to proceed against Shashi Tharoor for commission of offence," Vishal said.
Indian court admits abetment to suicide charge against Tharoor
Will proceed against Shoaib Sheikh according to law
FIA arrests Axact CEO Shoaib Shaikh in money-laundering case
During the proceedings on Monday, the court said if the complaints are not addressed then court will proceed against the heads of concerned departments.
SC adjourns hearing of suo moto case pertaining to difficulties for passengers at airports
Redefining power of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to investigate ex-military men, especially retired generals, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) yesterday directed the bureau to proceed against Pervez Musharraf for his alleged corruption while holding the office of president of Pakistan.
NAB asked to investigate Musharraf over graft