dressing-down: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘dressing-down’ mean?
The idiom "dressing-down" means to reprimand or scold someone severely, often in a public or humiliating way.
Idiom Explorer
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The idiom "go down the wrong way" is a common English expression used to describe the uncomfortable or unpleasant swallowing of something. It is often used metaphorically to convey discomfort in various situations, not just when ingesting food or drink.
The idiom "give someone what-for" means to scold or punish someone severely for their actions or behavior. It implies giving someone a strong reprimand or retribution for their wrongdoings.
The idiom "give someone what-for" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used to convey the idea of reprimanding or scolding someone intensely.
The idiom "give someone what for" means to scold or criticize someone severely, often in a forceful or angry manner.
The idiom "give someone what for" is a commonly used phrase in the English language, particularly in the United States. It is an expression that carries a specific meaning when used in context. The phrase has its roots in the early 19th century and has evolved over time.
The idiom "give someone the business" means to scold or reprimand someone severely, often in an intimidating or forceful manner.
The idiom "give someone a speaking to" means to reprimand or lecture someone sternly about their behavior or actions.
Fashionably informal.
Dressing-down is a common idiomatic expression used in English-speaking countries. It originated from the military, where it was used to describe reprimanding or criticizing a subordinate soldier. The phrase has since evolved and is now used in various contexts to refer to a severe scolding or reprimand.
The idiom "dress down" is related to dressing-down. It has a similar meaning, indicating the act of criticizing or reprimanding someone. On the other hand, the idiom "do down" is another related phrase that means to belittle or criticize someone unfairly. Lastly, the idiom "cry down" means to criticize or speak negatively about someone or something.
Dressing-down is derived from the noun "dressing" and the verb "down." The noun "dressing" can mean applying bandages or garments for medical purposes or preparing and seasoning food. Meanwhile, the verb "down" commonly signifies a decrease or reduction. When combined, the phrase dressing-down implies a decrease in someone's status or dignity through severe criticism or reprimand.
This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal settings. It can be employed in personal, professional, or educational contexts to describe a superior's act of scolding or reprimanding a subordinate who made a mistake or acted inappropriately. The person delivering the dressing-down often uses a stern or severe tone to express their disappointment or disapproval.
It is important to note that receiving a dressing-down is generally considered unpleasant and humiliating. The individual who receives the reprimand may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or belittled. Despite this, a dressing-down is often perceived as a way to correct behavior and hold individuals accountable for their actions.
The use of the idiom dressing-down is not limited to military contexts. It has become widely used in civilian settings as well. Native English speakers easily understand the phrase, and it is widely used across different English-speaking communities and regions.
Dressing-down is an idiom that describes the act of severe reprimand or criticism. It is used to describe situations in which a superior scolds or chastises another person for their mistakes or inappropriate behavior. While its origins can be traced back to the military, dressing-down is now a widely understood and utilized phrase in modern English. The idiom signifies strong disapproval, often conveyed with a stern and critical tone. It represents a decrease in someone's status or dignity through harsh words, leaving the recipient feeling humiliated or ashamed. Dressing-down encapsulates a common experience that many individuals can relate to, highlighting the importance of effectively conveying disapproval and holding others accountable.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *dressing-down* can be used in a sentence:
- After making a major mistake at work, John's boss gave him a severe dressing-down in front of all his colleagues.
- When the teacher caught the students cheating on the exam, she gave them a stern dressing-down and threatened to report them to the principal.
- After losing the game due to his careless errors, the coach gave the player a harsh dressing-down in the locker room.
More "Admonishment" idioms
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