give (one) a (good) working over

give (one) a (good) working over

1. To harshly scold one for an extended period of time. Man, the boss really gave me a working over for messing up that client's account.
2. To beat one, especially in a way intended to punish or intimidate. The mafia leader sent a couple of goons to give the witness a good working over so that she wouldn't testify in court.
See also: give, over, working
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

give someone a (good) working over

tv. to scold or beat someone. The boss gave me a good working over before firing me.
See also: give, good, over, someone, working

give someone a working over

verb
See give someone a good working over
See also: give, over, someone, working
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • give (one) (one's) head
  • give head
  • give somebody their head
  • give someone their head
  • as one man
  • cooking for one
  • drive (one) out of office
  • force (one) out of office
  • force out of office
  • 1FTR