dressing down
The phrase "dressing down" typically refers to a strong verbal reprimand or scolding, often delivered in a formal or official context.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)Speaking to someone angrily or severely to criticize their actions or behavior.
Example
- The manager gave the employee a dressing down for being late.
- The teacher dressed down the student for disrupting the class.
C1Formal
(formal)The act of delivering a severe reprimand or scolding in an official setting.
Example
- The diplomat received a dressing down from the foreign minister.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "dressing down":
dress downdress outmake downfull dressdress updressed upfield dressingdressing roomstripped downtalk downtake down a notch