# give someone what-for

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-someone-what-for
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To admonish or berate; to speak angrily at somebody.

## Examples

- My boss gave me what-for when I arrived late again.
- After the children broke the expensive vase, their father gave them what-for for being so careless.
- 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.

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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.