lit into

Harshly scolded someone

Lit into means to attack or criticize someone fiercely and suddenly.

The attack may be physical but is more often verbal—a burst of angry words: She really lit into him when he came home late.

The phrase suggests unleashing pent-up frustration or launching an assault without warning.

Related

reproached · castigated · upbraided · yelled at · rebuked · read the riot act · censured · lambasted · blasted · let have it · chewed out · dressed down · attacked · political debate · interpersonal conflict

Opposites
verbal treatment intensity

lit intopraised

Expressed approval of

complimented · commended · lauded · soft-pedaled · handled with kid gloves

emotional stance toward recipient

lit intocomforted

Given emotional relief

consoled · soothed · reassured · embraced · supported

evaluative stance

lit intodefended

Shielded from harm

championed · vouched for · vindicated · exonerated · absolved

Family

lit, light, into, lighted, lighting, lights, lighter, lightest, alight

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG