reading someone the riot act
Harsh verbal scolding
Reading someone the riot act is scolding them harshly, usually for behavior that has gone too far: His mother read him the riot act after he came home at 3 a.m.
The phrase implies an authoritative warning that consequences will follow if the behavior continues.
It comes from an actual British law, the Riot Act of 1714, which officials would literally read aloud to disperse unruly crowds.
- chew outReprimand severely
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- lay down the lawEnforce rules firmly
- read the riot actSeverely warn of consequences
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
give an earful · take to task · command · rebuke · dress down · enforcement · proclamation · call out · intervention · confrontation · edict · crack down · decree · scolding · discipline · correction · chastisement · bring to heel
reading someone the riot actgentle encouragement
Supportive, soft urging
praising · complimenting · soft-pedaling · reassuring · comforting
reading someone the riot actlooking the other way
Deliberately ignoring wrongdoing
turning a blind eye · forgiving · pardoning · excusing · biting one's tongue
reading someone the riot actpraising
Voicing admiration
congratulating · commending · applauding · buttering up · flattering
reading, reader, readers, readership, rereading, someone, reaction, reactive, reenact