teach someone a lesson
To punish someone for a serious transgression they have committed so that they do not commit it again.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The judge wanted to teach the thief a lesson.”
“After the teenager stole from the store, his father decided to teach him a lesson by making him work for free.”
“The harsh penalty was intended to teach the corrupt official a lesson, ensuring he would never again abuse his position of power.”
- 01
as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
- 02
beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
- 03
bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
- 04
bring someone to their knees
To defeat and make submit to orders.
- 05
call someone every name in the book
To call someone many abusive names.
- 06
call someone everything but a child of God
To call someone many abusive names.
- 07
catch someone napping
To take advantage of someone's inattention.
- 08
cry someone a river
To weep profusely or excessively in the presence of another person.
Last updated August 10, 2026