chews out
Delivers a tongue-lashing
To chew someone out is to scold or berate them harshly, typically for a mistake or misbehavior: The sergeant chewed out the recruits for their sloppy uniforms.
The expression suggests verbal aggression—someone getting worked over as if being gnawed on.
Common in military and workplace contexts where superiors reprimand subordinates.
- scoldsHarshly criticizes aloud
- dressing downHarsh verbal reprimand
- ripping intoAggressively criticizing or attacking
- rebukesCriticizes sharply for wrongdoing
- beratesScolds severely
reading the riot act · lambastes · chastises · upbraids · anger · censures · criticizes · discipline · admonishes · correction · reproves · frustration · disappointment · irritation · indignation · outrage · exasperation · warning
criticism vs. praise
chews outpraises
Verbally commends
commends · applauds · congratulates · compliments · lauds
chew, chews, chewed, chewing, chewer, chewable, out, outs, outed