give someone what for: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘give someone what for’ mean?
The idiom "give someone what for" means to scold or criticize someone severely, often in a forceful or angry manner.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "jump down someone's throat" means to angrily and aggressively criticize or confront someone about something they have said or done.
The idiom "have someone's hide" means to punish or criticize someone severely. It expresses the idea of figuratively taking away or damaging someone's skin, as a form of retribution or discipline.
The idiom "have someone's guts for garters" means to be extremely angry with someone and to be prepared to punish or harm them severely.
The idiom "have someone's guts for garters" is a colorful and vivid expression primarily used in British English. It indicates a strong desire to harm or punish someone. The phrase has a long history, dating back to as early as the 17th century.
The idiom "have it coming" means to deserve or expect something, usually negative, as a consequence of one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "haul someone over the coals" means to scold or reprimand someone severely for their actions or behavior.
The idiom "give what for" means to scold or reprimand someone strongly or to give them a severe punishment or retribution. It conveys the idea of delivering a forceful response or a deserved consequence for someone's actions or behavior.
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 to understand" means to make someone believe or think that something is true, usually by implying or suggesting it indirectly.
One idiom that has stood the test of time is "give someone to understand." This phrase has been used in English-speaking countries since the early 16th century. It carries the meaning of causing someone to believe or infer something without explicitly stating it.
The idiom "give someone the business" means to scold or reprimand someone severely, often in an intimidating or forceful manner.
The idiom "give someone grief" means to continuously cause trouble or annoyance to someone, often by criticizing or complaining about their actions or behavior.
Origins Unleashed
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.
When someone says, "give someone what for," they are typically referring to a situation where one person confronts or reprimands another individual in a forceful manner. It is an expression of dissatisfaction or anger towards someone's behavior. The person delivering the reprimand intends to let the other person know that they have done something wrong and that there will be consequences.
The origin of this idiom is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have emerged from the combined meanings of the words "give," "someone," and "what for." The word "give" in this context implies the act of delivering or administering something, while "someone" indicates the target of this action. "What for" is a phrase used to express the reason or purpose behind an action.
When examining the phrase "give someone what for" further, it becomes evident that the idiom is often used in informal settings rather than formal or professional environments. It is commonly used in everyday conversations among friends, family members, or acquaintances. The phrase is also frequently encountered in literature, films, and other forms of popular culture.
It is important to note that the idiom "give someone what for" is not to be taken literally. It does not involve physically giving or presenting something to someone. Instead, it represents a figurative act of admonishing or scolding someone. The phrase is used to assert authority, express disapproval, or reinforce certain social norms or standards of behavior.
The related idiom "give what for" is another expression used to describe a similar situation where someone is being confronted or reprimanded. It carries the same meaning as "give someone what for" but without specifying the recipient of the reprimand. It is a more general expression that can be used in various contexts.
Another related idiom is "give someone what-for." This expression is very similar to "give someone what for" but emphasizes the forcefulness or intensity of the confrontation or reprimand. It implies that the person delivering the reprimand is doing so with great vigor or determination.
The idiom "give someone what for" is a widely recognized phrase in the English language. Its origin may be uncertain, but its meaning and usage are well understood. It represents the act of confronting or reprimanding someone in a forceful manner and carries certain connotations of authority and disapproval. The related idioms "give what for" and "give someone what-for" further emphasize the concept of intense reprimand or confrontation. These idioms have become ingrained in colloquial speech and cultural discourse, demonstrating their continued relevance and significance in contemporary American society.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "give someone what for" can be used in a sentence:
- After receiving a poor grade on her paper, the teacher gave her what for and explained why her work was unacceptable.
- When the employee was caught stealing from the company, his boss gave him what for and delivered a stern warning.
- During the argument, she didn't hold back and gave her friend what for, expressing her frustrations and grievances.
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