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 punish someone severely for their actions or behavior. It implies giving someone a strong reprimand or retribution for their wrongdoings.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "just deserts" means to receive the appropriate punishment or reward for one's actions.
The idiom "hell to pay" means to face severe consequences or trouble for one's actions or decisions.
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 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 criticize someone severely, often in a forceful or angry manner.
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.
Unleashing Verbal Wrath
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 exact etymology of the idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged from the combination of two separate expressions. The first part, "give someone," suggests the act of delivering or administering something to another person. The second part, "what-for," is a colloquial phrase meaning a severe scolding or punishment.
The idiom gained popularity in American English, particularly in the Southern United States, where it became a common turn of phrase. Its usage eventually spread throughout the country and became a part of everyday conversation.
Over time, "give someone what-for" has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings. It can now be used not only to describe instances of scolding but also to convey criticism, punishment, or a forceful reaction to someone's actions or behavior.
When used in context, the idiom can vary in intensity depending on the situation and the relationship between the individuals involved. It can be employed in formal or informal settings, such as within families, workplaces, or even in public discourse.
While the origins and exact meanings of idioms can sometimes be elusive, "give someone what-for" remains a powerful phrase that encapsulates the act of admonishing or reprimanding someone with force and authority.
The related idiom "give what for" is another way to express a forceful reprimand or scolding. It shares a similar meaning with "give someone what-for," but without specifying the recipient of the scolding.
Both of these idioms are commonly used in situations where a person's actions or behavior warrant a strong reaction. They convey a sense of authority or power, as the person delivering the reprimand is often in a position of influence or control.
It's important to note that these idioms should not be taken literally. They are figurative expressions that convey the idea of forcefully criticizing or admonishing someone, rather than physically giving them something.
"give someone what-for" and "give what for" are idioms that are widely used in the English language. They convey the concept of delivering a forceful reprimand or scolding to someone, often with a sense of authority or power. These idioms have evolved over time and continue to be relevant in contemporary English.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "give someone what-for" can be used in a sentence:
- After losing his temper, the teacher gave the student what-for for disrupting the class.
- When the employees failed to meet the deadline, the boss gave them what-for during the meeting.
- The coach gave the players what-for for their poor performance in the game.
This idiom is commonly used to imply scolding, reprimanding, or expressing strong disapproval towards someone's actions or behavior. It often conveys the idea of giving someone a severe scolding or a piece of mind. The phrase "give someone what-for" can be used in various contexts, such as personal or professional relationships, parenting, teaching, or coaching.
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