give what for: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘give what for’ mean?
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.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "just deserts" means to receive the appropriate punishment or reward for one's actions.
The idiom "just deserts" has a specific meaning and carries a strong connotation. It means that individuals receive what they deserve, whether it be punishment, reward, or consequences. The phrase is often mistakenly written as "just desserts," but the correct spelling is "just deserts," derived from the Middle English word "desert," meaning "what one deserves."
The idiom "in for it" means to be in trouble or about to face negative consequences for one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "hell to pay" means to face severe consequences or trouble for one's actions or decisions.
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 "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 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.
A Fierce Retribution
The idiom "give someone what for" is a phrase commonly used in the English language to describe the act of scolding or reprimanding someone harshly. It is used in informal speech and writing, especially in dialogues, fictional works, and casual conversations. The exact origin of this idiom is uncertain, but there are a few theories that have been proposed.
One theory suggests that the phrase may have originated from the idea of giving someone the punishment or retribution they deserve. The word "give" in this context conveys the act of delivering something, and "what for" implies a punishment or retribution. This theory aligns with the usage of the idiom to describe the act of reprimanding someone severely.
Another possible origin of the idiom relates to the verb "for" used in the sense of "benefit" or "to the advantage of." This theory proposes that "give someone what for" could mean giving someone something that is beneficial or advantageous to them, but in a negative or harmful way. In this context, the idiom implies scolding or reprimanding someone with the intention of benefiting them in the long run.
The idiom "give someone what-for" is a variation of "give someone what for." Both phrases share the same meaning of scolding or reprimanding someone harshly. The addition of the hyphen in "what-for" may serve to emphasize the intensity or severity of the scolding. Both idioms are commonly used in informal contexts, but their usage may vary among different regions and social groups.
When using the idiom "give someone what for" or "give someone what-for," it is important to consider the context and tone of the situation. These idioms are typically used in situations where someone has done something wrong or deserving of criticism. The idiom conveys a sense of strong disapproval and serves as a form of disciplinary action.
For example, imagine a parent scolding their child for breaking a valuable vase. The parent might say, "I'm going to give you what for!" This expression communicates the parent's anger and disappointment, while also serving as a warning to the child about their behavior.
In a similar vein, the idiom "give someone what-for" can also be used in professional or academic settings to describe a situation where someone is being strongly criticized or reprimanded. For instance, a manager might scold an employee for consistently missing deadlines by saying, "I'm going to give you what for if you don't start meeting your targets."
It is important to note that these idioms carry a strong connotation of disapproval and should be used with caution. While they can be effective in conveying the severity of a situation, they can also be seen as confrontational or overly harsh, depending on the context and the relationship between the individuals involved.
The idioms "give someone what for" and "give someone what-for" both describe the act of scolding or reprimanding someone harshly. These idioms can be used in various contexts, including personal, professional, or academic situations. However, their usage should be considered carefully to ensure they are appropriate for the situation and the relationship between the individuals involved.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom give what for can be used in a sentence:
1. After the disappointing performance, the coach gave the players what for in the locker room.
2. When I accidentally broke my mom's favorite vase, she definitely gave me what for!
3. The professor gave the student what for after he was caught cheating on the exam.
More "Usage" idioms
