You'll get what for if you're late again.
what for
idiomAn unspecified punishment or rebuke.
The teacher gave him what for when she found out he had copied his essay from the internet.
Having returned home well past midnight, the young man steeled himself for the what for his father would surely deliver.
- 01
ain't what it used to was
Is not what it used to be; (expressing nostalgia).
- 02
come what may
In spite of anything that might happen; whatever may occur.
- 03
do exactly what it says on the tin
To do what is described or what one would expect, with no further explanation needed.
- 04
do what
An intensified version of what? or huh?, expressing surprise or lack of comprehension
- 05
get what one asked for
Synonym of get what's coming to one.
- 06
give someone what-for
To admonish or berate; to speak angrily at somebody.
- 07
give what for
To scold; to punish, especially verbally.
- 08
guess what
Used to introduce a surprising outcome or one that the hearer is not expected to try to guess.
Last updated April 17, 2026