read someone the riot act
Deliver harsh warning
To read someone the riot act is to deliver a stern warning or harsh reprimand, making clear that certain behavior must stop immediately.
The phrase comes from the actual Riot Act of 1714, which British authorities would literally read aloud to disperse unruly crowds.
Now it's purely figurative: His boss read him the riot act about missing deadlines.
After the party, my parents read me the riot act.
Harsh verbal criticism
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- berateCriticize severely and lengthily
- chastiseReprimand severely for wrongdoing
- upbraidCriticize harshly, verbally
admonish · castigate · dress down · tell off · tongue-lashing · lecture · reproach · censure
Non-negotiable final terms
- consequencesResults of actions taken
- final warningLast notice before action
- cautionCareful attention to risk
- forewarnAlert in advance
threaten · lay down the law · draw the line · put on notice · last chance · zero tolerance · boundary · deadline
scolding
Harsh verbal criticism
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- berateCriticize severely and lengthily
- chastiseReprimand severely for wrongdoing
upbraid · admonish · castigate · dress down · tell off · tongue-lashing · lecture · reproach · censure · lambaste
ultimatum
Non-negotiable final terms
- consequencesResults of actions taken
- final warningLast notice before action
- cautionCareful attention to risk
forewarn · threaten · lay down the law · draw the line · put on notice · last chance · zero tolerance · boundary · deadline · non-negotiable
read someone the riot actdrop a hint
Suggest something indirectly
beat around the bush · sugarcoat · soft-pedal · say nothing · turn a blind eye
read someone the riot actpraise
Expression of approval
commend · congratulate · applaud · pat on the back · extol
read someone the riot actlet off the hook
handle with kid gloves · coddle · pamper · indulge · cut some slack