Definition

Noun: 1. A severe verbal reprimand or scolding; an act of angrily criticizing someone. This meaning refers to the act of speaking to someone very angrily because they have done something wrong.

Usage

This noun is used to describe an instance of receiving intense, angry criticism. It often implies the criticism is delivered loudly and emotionally.

Examples

• The employee received a blowing up from the manager for missing the deadline.
• After the costly mistake, he expected a blowing up from his boss.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often follows verbs like "get," "receive," or "give."
  • If you're late again, you'll get a blowing up.
  • The teacher gave the class a blowing up for being so noisy.

Variants and Related Words

• Blow up (Phrasal Verb): This is the verb form from which the noun is derived. It has several distinct meanings:
  • To explode. The old building was blown up with dynamite.
  • To lose one's temper suddenly and shout angrily. My dad blew up when he saw the dent in the car.
  • To enlarge a photograph. Can you blow up this picture so we can see the details?
• Explosion (Noun): The primary meaning is a violent burst, often literal. It is a synonym only for the first meaning of the phrasal verb "blow up."

Synonyms

• Berating
• Reprimand
• Rebuke
• Scolding
• Dressing-down
• Tongue-lashing

Related Idioms & Phrases

• To blow up at someone: This is the phrasal verb form meaning to suddenly become very angry with someone.
  • She blew up at her colleague for taking credit for her work.

Noun

1. a severe rebuke
   • he deserved the berating that the coach gave him