reads someone the riot act
Delivers stern warning
To read someone the riot act is to reprimand them sharply, warning of serious consequences if behavior doesn't change: His mother read him the riot act after he came home at 3 a.m.
The phrase suggests an official, forceful warning—not a gentle reminder but a stern laying down of the law.
- chastiseReprimand severely for wrongdoing
- scoldRebuke harshly
- lambasteScold with ferocity
- rip intoAttack with harsh words
- chew outReprimand severely
give an earful · warn · put on notice · upbraid · rebuke · admonish · take to task · berate · dress down · reprimand · censure · enforce · reproach · dictate · notify · command · tell off · declare
reads someone the riot actpraises
Verbally commends
compliments · commends · sweet-talks · soothes · reassures
reads someone the riot actturns a blind eye
Intentionally ignores something obvious
looks the other way · lets slide · forgives · excuses · overlooks
reads someone the riot actpraises
Verbally commends
commends · congratulates · applauds · compliments · lauds
read, reads, reading, reader, readers, readable, unreadable, readability, reread