ENGLISH
REFERENCE

trip to the woodshed

idiom
Meaning

An occasion on which a reprimand or punishment is administered privately.


Origin

disputed origin

Probably derived from the previous term "horseshedding," meaning to take a person privately (such as to a horse shed or woodshed, separate buildings away from the house) for private cajoling or reprimand.

Examples
SIMPLE

The boss called him in for a trip to the woodshed.

CONTEXTUAL

After the manager discovered the accounting error, he invited the accountant for a trip to the woodshed to discuss the mistake.

COMPLEX

The senator knew that his controversial vote would inevitably result in a trip to the woodshed with the party leadership.

Anchors to
Related idioms3entries
  1. 01

    bad trip

    An acute adverse psychological reaction to the effects produced under the influence of psychoactive substances, namely hallucinogens.

  2. 02

    guilt trip

    A feeling of shame or embarrassment, especially if self-indulgent, unwarranted, exaggerated or felt over a significant period of time.

  3. 03

    trip out

    To have as an image in one's mind.

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