to give a speaking to

Examples

• All

• The teacher had to give a speaking to several students after the noisy lunch break.

• If you’re late again, your boss will give a speaking to you for sure.

• Don't give a speaking to him without understanding the full story!

• The manager decided to give a speaking to the team about their performance.

• After the incident on the playground, the principal gave a speaking to the whole class.

• If you’re late again, your boss will give a speaking to you for sure.

• The manager decided to give a speaking to the team about their performance.

Synonyms

L

to lecture

vsto give a speaking to

89 4.6

To give someone a long serious talk that warns or scolds them about what they did

is formal scolding focused on censure rather than extended moral talk

S

to scold

vsto give a speaking to

55 2.2

Speak angrily to someone who has done something wrong

is a formal reprimand rather than general angry speaking

L

to let him have it

vsto give a speaking to

• Informal

44 8.1

To tell someone angrily that they did something wrong

is formal and disapproving but usually less emotionally fierce

R

to reprimand

vsto give a speaking to

• Formal

33 6.1

To tell someone they did something wrong, usually by a person in charge

is similar but used as a general formal scolding phrase

R

to rebuke

vsto give a speaking to

• Formal

26 6.9

To tell someone firmly that you do not approve of their actions

is a formal expression of disapproval with milder tone

T

to tell off

vsto give a speaking to

• Informal

13 4.2

To speak angrily to someone for doing something wrong

is more formal and disapproving than direct angry speech

G

to give someone the business

vsto give a speaking to

• Informal

5 8.3

Tell someone angrily that they did something wrong

is formal and disapproving without confrontational informality

C

to call on the carpet

vsto give a speaking to

• Archaic

3 7.9

To tell someone strongly that they have done something wrong, often in front of others

is a formal scolding phrase used beyond strict authority contexts

G

to give someone what for

vsto give a speaking to

• Informal

1 8.7

Tell someone angrily that they did something wrong

is the formal disapproving phrase rather than informal forceful scolding

C

to call down

vsto give a speaking to

• Informal

1 6.8

Tell someone angrily that they did something wrong

is formal and disapproving rather than openly angry or public

G

to give what-for

vsto give a speaking to

• Informal

9.5

To scold someone strongly for doing something wrong

is a more formal, measured expression of disapproval

G

to give an earful

vsto give a speaking to

• Informal

7.7

Angrily tell someone they did something wrong

is formal and disapproving, typically shorter and less loud

G

to give (someone) a piece of one's mind

vsto give a speaking to

• Informal

7.5

Tell someone angrily that you are upset with them

is formal and institutional rather than personal and forceful

Antonyms

P

praise

161 1.0

Words or actions that show admiration for someone

C

to commend

67 4.4

To praise someone or something for good work

How Harsh

to berate

36 7.2

to reprimand

• Formal

33 6.1

to give a speaking to

• UK

6.9

to admonish

31 6.8

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology