tongue-lashing

/ˈtʌŋ læʃɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtʌŋ læʃɪŋ/ (ame, ipa)

tongue-lashing — noun

1. a harsh, angry speech given to someone because they have made a serious mistake

1.名詞B2
釋義

a harsh, angry speech given to someone because they have made a serious mistake or behaved very badly

例句

After losing the match, the coach gave the team a tongue-lashing in the changing room.

collocation: give someone a tongue-lashing

Jude got a tongue-lashing from his manager for being late three times in one week.

同義詞
  • scolding

    more general and neutral; commonly used for parents or teachers speaking to children

  • reprimand

    more formal; often an official or workplace criticism

  • rebuke

    formal; often public or authoritative criticism

  • dressing-down

    similar register but often implies a longer, more emotional lecture

反義詞
  • praise

    expression of approval rather than criticism

  • compliment

    positive feedback recognising good behaviour

用法筆記

Commonly used in the pattern 'give someone a tongue-lashing'. Usually found in informal, spoken contexts rather than formal writing. The plural form 'tongue-lashings' is rare but occasionally heard.

常見錯誤

❌She tongue-lashed him for being late.
✅She gave him a tongue-lashing for being late.
💡The verb 'tongue-lash' is very rare and non-standard; use the noun form with 'give' or 'get' instead.
❌The teacher gave a tongue-lashing.' (without specifying the recipient)
✅The teacher gave the students a tongue-lashing.
💡The person receiving the scolding is usually stated.