ENGLISH
REFERENCE

give someone Hail Columbia

idiom
Meaning

To scold someone severely.


Examples
SIMPLE

My boss gave me Hail Columbia for arriving late again.

CONTEXTUAL

After the students broke the classroom window, the principal gave them Hail Columbia for their reckless behavior.

COMPLEX

The stern captain gave the crew Hail Columbia for their failure to secure the cargo before the storm hit the harbor.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  2. 02

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  3. 03

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  4. 04

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  5. 05

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  6. 06

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

  7. 07

    catch someone napping

    To take advantage of someone's inattention.

  8. 08

    cry someone a river

    To weep profusely or excessively in the presence of another person.

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