take to the woodshed

take (one) to the woodshed

To punish, reprimand, or reprove someone, especially discreetly, secretly, or in private. Many suspect that the president took the former aide to the woodshed over his inflammatory remarks to the press.
See also: take, woodshed
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take (someone) to the woodshed

To reprimand or punish (someone).
See also: take, woodshed
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • take (one) to the woodshed
  • take someone to the woodshed
  • take (one) behind the woodshed
  • read (one) a lesson
  • read a
  • read a lecture
  • read (one) a lecture
  • drag (one) over the coals
  • haul (someone) over the coals
  • haul someone over the coals