press charges
To make a formal legal complaint of wrongdoing or mistreatment against another person. A: "Is it true that Greg pressed charges against you?" B: "Yes, but his claim is completely false! I've never done anything to him!" I really hope our neighbors don't press charges against us—I never would have cut down that tree if I had known it was on their property!
press charges (against someone)
and file charges (against someone)Fig. to make a formal charge of wrongdoing against someone. They agreed not to press charges against me if I agreed to pay for the damages.
press charges
To bring a formal accusation of criminal wrongdoing against someone.