# teach someone a lesson

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/teach-someone-a-lesson
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To punish someone for a serious transgression they have committed so that they do not commit it again.

## Examples

- 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.

---

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.