telling off
The phrase "telling off" is commonly used in informal contexts to describe a reprimand or scolding.
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Definition
B2Everyday Communication
(informal)A severe reprimand or scolding, often given in an angry or stern manner.
Example
- The teacher gave the student a telling off for being late.
- She received a telling off from her boss for missing the deadline.
C1Military
(technical)The act of counting and dismissing soldiers.
Example
- The sergeant told off the troops after the drill.
C1Task Assignment
(technical)Assigning someone to a specific duty or task.
Example
- The captain told off a team to scout the area.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "telling off":
tell offgob offtell ontell againstkiss offteed offfucked offshit offblow offshit talking