# slap someone around

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/slap-someone-around
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be brutal towards someone, especially physically.

## Examples

- The bully threatened to slap him around for no reason.
- The gang leader warned the newcomer that they would slap him around if he did not pay his debts.
- The corrupt official hired thugs to slap around anyone who dared to protest against his new policies.

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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.