Tongue-lashing

A tongue-lashing is a sharp, vehement reprimand or scolding delivered verbally. It often involves a forceful expression of displeasure or anger towards someone's actions or behavior. The term suggests a whipping of words that is intended to reprimand the subject severely. A tongue-lashing can occur in various contexts, such as in personal relationships, workplaces, or public settings, and often aims to emphasize the seriousness of the offense.

Tongue-lashing meaning with examples

• After being late for work for the third time this month, Sheila received a tongue-lashing from her supervisor. His irritated words echoed through the office, drawing the attention of her colleagues and making it clear that she needed to be more punctual and responsible with her commitments.
• During the family gathering, Aunt Margaret didn't hold back when discussing her nephew's lazy habits. Her tongue-lashing was filled with anecdotes of how he had squandered opportunities, and everyone sat in silence, afraid to interject as she dished out her well-deserved criticism.
• The coach's tongue-lashing after the team's poor performance in the championship game was intense. He expressed his disappointment loudly, highlighting each player's mistakes and urging them to take the game more seriously if they wanted to earn their victories in the future.
• When the teacher discovered that several students had cheated on the test, she delivered a tongue-lashing that left them all stunned. She emphasized the importance of honesty and integrity, making it clear that such behavior had consequences that extended beyond the classroom.