# read someone to filth

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/read-someone-to-filth
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To thoroughly insult, to comprehensively call attention to the flaws or shortcomings of (someone).

## Examples

- The critic read the actor to filth for his terrible performance.
- After the manager made a series of unprofessional mistakes, his supervisor read him to filth in front of the entire team.
- During the heated debate, the opponent read the senator to filth, systematically exposing every contradiction and failure in his long political career.

## Origin

From the black gay slang term read (“call attention to someone's flaws”).

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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.