ENGLISH
REFERENCE

give someone what-for

idiom
Meaning

To admonish or berate; to speak angrily at somebody.


Examples
SIMPLE

My boss gave me what-for when I arrived late again.

CONTEXTUAL

After the children broke the expensive vase, their father gave them what-for for being so careless.

COMPLEX

The coach gave the team what-for in the locker room, demanding they show more discipline and effort during the second half of the game.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    ain't what it used to was

    Is not what it used to be; (expressing nostalgia).

  2. 02

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  3. 03

    beat someone round the ears

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

  4. 04

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  5. 05

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  6. 06

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  7. 07

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

  8. 08

    catch someone napping

    To take advantage of someone's inattention.

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