riot act

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riot act

The teacher reads the riot act to the misbehaving students.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A former English law: A statute, enacted in 1715, that made it a felony for a group of twelve or more people to refuse to disperse within one hour of being read a proclamation by a magistrate or other authority.
    • A severe reprimand or warning: A stern lecture or scolding, often delivered in an angry or forceful manner, warning someone to stop unacceptable behavior.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (Historical Law):

    • The magistrate read the Riot Act to the assembled crowd.
    • After the Riot Act was read, the protesters had one hour to disperse.

  • Noun (Modern Figurative Meaning):

    • When I came home late, my parents read me the riot act.
    • The manager read the team the riot act after their poor performance.
Advanced Usage
  • "to read (someone) the riot act": This is the primary modern usage. It is a fixed verbal phrase meaning to reprimand someone severely.
    • The coach read the players the riot act for breaking curfew.
Variants and Related Words
  • Reprimand (n/v): A formal or official expression of disapproval.
  • Lambaste (v): To criticize someone harshly.
  • Dressing-down (n): A severe scolding.
Synonyms
  • Tongue-lashing: A severe scolding.
  • Lecture: A long, serious talk, especially one expressing criticism.
  • Berating: Scolding or criticizing angrily.
Related Idioms
  • "to give someone a piece of one's mind": To express one's disapproval directly and angrily.
  • "to come down hard on someone": To criticize or punish someone severely.
riot act

The teacher reads the riot act to the misbehaving students.

Noun
  1. a former English law requiring mobs to disperse after a magistrate reads the law to them
  2. a vigorous reprimand
    • I read him the riot act

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