# take someone's head off

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-someones-head-off
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To berate.

## Examples

- Don't ask him now or he will take your head off.
- I only asked why the report was late, but my boss took my head off in front of everyone.
- Although I had only intended to offer a minor suggestion, my supervisor took my head off with such unexpected ferocity that I immediately regretted speaking.

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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.