get (the) what for
get (the) what for
To be thoroughly and intensely punished, rebuked, scolded, or berated. I got the what for from my parents last night for taking the car without permission. I got what for from the boss when I lost the company that big account.
See also: get, what
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
give somebody/get what ˈfor
(British English, spoken) punish somebody/be punished, usually severely: I’ll give her what for if she does that again. If you steal any more of my apples, you’ll get what for.See also: get, give, somebody, what
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- give somebody/get what for
- get taken to task (by someone)
- be taken to task (by someone)
- garter
- take a telling-off
- get the third degree
- give (someone) the third degree
- give someone the third degree
- get hell about (something)
- get hell for (something)