Following absurd rules to the letter is a form of protest. That's what I understand "hold him to it" means. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Work-to-rule https://

Following absurd rules to the letter is a form of protest. That's what I understand "hold him to it" means. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Work-to-rule https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Work-to-rule https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malicious_compliance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malicious_compliance