Criticise or reprove (4,2,4)
I believe the answer is:
take to task
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'criticise' is the first definition.
(taking to task is a kind of criticizing)
'reprove' is the second definition.
(synonyms)
(Other definitions for take to task that I've seen before include "slag off" , "Give a rocket" , "rebuke" , "form a liking for the job" , "give worker a lift in" .)