give someone both barrels
give (one) both barrels
To scold or judge one with extreme force or vigor. The phrase refers to the barrels of a gun. You have to know that she's going to give us both barrels if we fire her, so just be prepared. The team looked a bit lackluster in their first game, but they've given us both barrels tonight.
See also: barrel, both, give
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
give someone both barrels
INFORMALIf you give someone both barrels, you criticize them fiercely and with force. She was angry and gave him both barrels. Note: You can also attack or criticize someone with both barrels. Let him have it with both barrels and then get out of the situation while you can. Note: This expression refers to the firing of both barrels of a double-barrelled gun.
See also: barrel, both, give, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- give (one) both barrels
- both barrels, with
- with both barrels
- give (one) a mouthful
- give someone a mouthful
- give someone beans
- give (one) beans
- give somebody a rocket
- give (one) a rocket
- give (one) the devil