rap someone's knuckles
The phrase "rap someone's knuckles" originates from historical disciplinary practices and is now commonly used to describe a mild reprimand.
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Definition
B2General
(figurative, idiomatic)To give someone a mild reprimand or warning.
Example
- The manager rapped his knuckles for missing the deadline.
- She rapped the student's knuckles for speaking out of turn.
C1Historical
(literal, archaic)To strike someone on the back of the hand as a form of punishment.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "rap someone's knuckles":