# trip to the woodshed

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/trip-to-the-woodshed
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- The boss called him in for a trip to the woodshed.
- After the manager discovered the accounting error, he invited the accountant for a trip to the woodshed to discuss the mistake.
- The senator knew that his controversial vote would inevitably result in a trip to the woodshed with the party leadership.

## 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. (disputed)

---

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.