read someone the riot act
The phrase "read someone the riot act" has its origins in a historical British law but is now commonly used to describe a severe reprimand.
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Definition
B2General
(idiomatic)To reprimand or scold someone severely.
Example
- The manager read the team the riot act after they missed the deadline.
- When I got home late, my parents read me the riot act.
B2General
(idiomatic)To issue a stern warning about someone's behavior, often implying consequences if it does not improve.
Example
- The teacher read the students the riot act for their disruptive behavior.
- The coach read the players the riot act after their poor performance.