tongue-lashing

Thân thiện

A teacher gives a student a stern tongue-lashing for being late.

Definition

Noun: A severe scolding or harsh verbal reprimand. It refers to the act of rebuking someone angrily and at length, often in a way that is intended to be humiliating or corrective.

Usage

The word "tongue-lashing" is a countable noun. It is typically used with verbs like "give," "get," "receive," or "administer." It describes a one-sided verbal attack and carries a strong connotation of severity and emotional intensity.

Examples

• The manager gave the employee a severe tongue-lashing for missing the deadline.
• After the costly mistake, he knew he was in for a tongue-lashing from his coach.
• She received a furious tongue-lashing from her parents for coming home so late.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in a more formal or literary context to describe a vehement verbal critique, not just a personal scolding.
  • The critic's review was less an analysis and more of a tongue-lashing aimed at the director's entire body of work.

Variants and Related Words

• Tongue-lash (verb, less common): To scold or rebuke someone harshly.
  • He was tongue-lashed by his superior for the oversight.

Synonyms

• Reprimand: A formal expression of disapproval.
• Dressing-down: An angry scolding (informal).
• Berating: Scolding or criticizing angrily.
• Castigation: Severe and harsh criticism.
• Lecture: A lengthy scolding or warning.

Antonyms

• Praise: Expression of warm approval or admiration.
• Commendation: Formal or official praise.
• Compliment: A polite expression of praise or admiration.

Idioms and Phrases

• To give someone a piece of one's mind: To express one's anger or disapproval frankly and forcefully (similar in spirit to giving a tongue-lashing).
  • She finally gave him a piece of her mind about his constant lateness.

Học thuật

Noun

1. rebuking a person harshly

Từ đồng nghĩa

• chiding
• scolding
• objurgation