give someone his rights

by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates

[give someone his rights] or [read someone his rights] {v. phr.}, {informal}

1. The act of advising arrested criminals that they have the right to remain silent and that everything they say can be held against them in a court of law; that they have the right to the presence of an attorney during questioning and that if they can't afford one and request it, an attorney will be appointed for them by the State.

* /The cops gave Smith his rights immediately after the arrest./

2. To sever a relationship by telling someone that he or she can go and see a divorce lawyer or the like.

* /Sue gave Mike his rights before she slammed the door in his face./

Compare: READ THE RIOT ACT.

Tags:


	relation ²⁷ {informal} ¹⁴⁰¹ {v. phr.} ²¹⁸³

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

To upper section: G


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	See also »
	read one one's rights [read one one's rights] {v. phr.} To give to an arrested person the legally required ... A Dictionary of American Idioms put to rights [put to rights] or [set to rights] {v. phr.}, {informal} To put in good order; ... A Dictionary of American Idioms right [right] See: ALL RIGHT, ALL RIGHT FOR YOU, DEAD TO RIGHTS, GIVE ONE'S RIGHT ARM, ... A Dictionary of American Idioms dead to rights [dead to rights] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Without a chance of escaping blame; proven wrong. * ... A Dictionary of American Idioms give out [give out] {v.} 1. To make known; let it be known; publish. * /Mary gave ... A Dictionary of American Idioms not to give quarter [not to give quarter] {v. phr.} 1. To be utterly unwilling to show mercy; not ... A Dictionary of American Idioms give way [give way] {v.} 1. To go back; retreat. * /The enemy army is giving way ... A Dictionary of American Idioms

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