dressing down
Stern spoken correction
A dressing down is a severe scolding or reprimand, typically from someone in authority: The sergeant gave the recruits a dressing down for their sloppy uniforms.
The phrase suggests being verbally stripped of dignity or status.
To dress someone down is to deliver such a rebuke.
Express sharp disapproval
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- reproachExpression of disappointment
chastisement · upbraiding · tongue-lashing · berating · lecture · reproof · chiding · castigation
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
reproach · chastisement · upbraiding · tongue-lashing · berating · lecture · reproof · chiding · castigation · criticism
- reprimandsrebuke, reprimand, censure, admonition, scolding
- reproachesblaming, scolding, rebuking, reprimanding, censuring
- scoldingscold, scolding, rebuke, berate, reprimand
- stylingaccessorizing, color coordinating, mix and match, coordinating, coordination
- tiradestirades, tirade, rants, rant, harangues
- verbal fightsargument, quarrel, dispute, confrontation, shouting match
dressing downpraise
Expression of approval
commendation · compliment · accolade · lauding · encouragement
dressing downdressing up
Wearing elaborate clothes
formal attire · black tie · formalwear · suiting up · Sunday best
address, down, dress, dressing, dressed, undress, dresser, redress, dresses