in the dock

Idioms  

1. On trial, especially in a criminal case. For example, The accused stood in the dock through the entire proceeding. This expression employs dock in the sense of “an enclosed place for the defendant in a court of law,” a usage dating from the late 1500s, and is used even in American courts where no such enclosure exists.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in the dock

The women, more liberal-minded, think it’s ridiculous to put a novel in the dock.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

Donaldson, dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt and pink tie, was in the dock at the back of Court One, between two custody officers.

From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026

Varley stood in the dock and put his hands to his face in shock as the guilty verdicts were read out, before collapsing to his knees, wretching and vomiting.

From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026

Kaur appeared visibly upset in the dock as the verdict was read out, while Digwa showed little emotion and gazed out into the courtroom.

From BBC ● May 28, 2026

I want to melt through the slats in the dock.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith