# give someone the business

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-someone-the-business
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To treat someone harshly or in a wrongful manner, such as by abusing, deceiving, or manipulating.

## Examples

- The boss gave him the business for being late again.
- After I made a small mistake, my coworkers gave me the business for the rest of the afternoon.
- The detective gave the suspect the business, relentlessly questioning him until he finally admitted to his involvement in the crime.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.