take action against

take action against (someone or something)

To initiate legal proceedings against someone or something. Let it be known that my client will take action against any publication that prints these lies. The city has declined to take action against the man, stating that it was a clear case of self-defense.
See also: action, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take action against someone or something

to begin activity against someone or something. The city council vowed to take action against the mayor. I will take action against the company for its negligence.
See also: action, take
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • get up against
  • get up against (someone or something)
  • clash
  • clash against
  • clash against (someone or something)
  • against
  • against (someone or something)
  • hedge against
  • hedge against (something)
  • fortify (someone or something) against (something) with (something)
References in periodicals archive
In this regard the leaders of different organizations have demanded of the concerned authorities to take action against the dealers of SafinaGutka, who have become millionaires within few years.
Open sale of SafinaGutka continues in TandoBago
Inspector General Punjab Police Dr Syed Kaleem Imam directed the regional and district police officers to ensure transparency in their respective areas and take action against violators without any discrimination.
Police take action against 17,606 political workers/supporters
Islamabad -- Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad has directed the police department to take action against vehicles having tinted glass.
Crackdown starts against vehicles having tinted glasses
'Many patwaris are also involved in illegal acts along with Malik Javed', they said, adding that the CM should take action against DC Rawalpindi for not taking action against Malik Javed.
Land owners protest against 'corrupt' revenue official
He said that strict action would be taken against traffic officials who would not take action against violations of traffic rules.
Traffic officials suspended for not enforcing traffic rules
On the other side, Police has arrested Hindu Neul Mal on the charges of selling The residents of the city organized a rally against this obnoxious business and demanded from the concern authorities to take action against liquor sellers.
5 die in Khairpur by drinking poisonous Liquor