give (one) (the) what for
give (one) (the) what for
To punish, rebuke, scold, or berate one thoroughly and intensely. I told her a thousand times not to take the car without asking! Well, I'll give her what for when she gets home. The boss is quick to give you the what for if you make even a minor mistake.
See also: give, what
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
give someone what for
punish or scold someone severely. British informalSee also: give, someone, what
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
give somebody what ˈfor
,ˈgive it to somebody
(British English, spoken) punish somebody severely: If you take my car again without asking me, I’ll give you what for. The manager will really give it to you when he finds out what you’ve done.See also: give, somebody, what
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 what for
- give someone what for
- give someone a good talking to
- give someone a talking to
- give (one) a (good) talking to
- garter
- have (one's) guts for garters
- have somebody's guts for garters
- have someone's guts for garters