talking-to
Verbal dressing down
A talking-to is a scolding or stern reprimand, typically delivered by someone in authority to correct behavior.
It implies a one-sided conversation where the recipient is expected to listen rather than respond.
My boss gave me a talking-to about showing up late.
The phrase suggests something more serious than casual feedback but less severe than formal discipline.
Harsh verbal criticism
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- lectureEducational spoken presentation
- chastisementFormal scolding or correction
upbraiding · berating · censure · reproof · castigation · dressing-down · telling-off · earful
Trained self-control or specialty
- correctionFixing of mistakes
- warningAlert about danger
- groundingConnecting to earth
- lectureEducational spoken presentation
timeout · consequences · boundaries · guidance · lesson · admonishment · reprimand · scolding
scolding
Harsh verbal criticism
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- lectureEducational spoken presentation
chastisement · upbraiding · berating · censure · reproof · castigation · dressing-down · telling-off · earful · tongue-lashing
discipline
Trained self-control or specialty
- correctionFixing of mistakes
- warningAlert about danger
- groundingConnecting to earth
lecture · timeout · consequences · boundaries · guidance · lesson · admonishment · reprimand · scolding · disappointment
- mild punishmentswarning, reprimand, caution, scolding, timeout
- reprimandsrebuke, reprimand, censure, admonition, scolding
- reproofsscolding, rebuke, reprimand, admonishment, admonition
talking-tophysical punishment
Pain-based behavioral correction
corporal punishment · spanking · beating · whipping · pass
talking-topraise
Expression of approval
commendation · compliment · pat on the back · attaboy · accolade
talking-tosilent treatment
Refusing to speak
cold shoulder · ignoring · shunning · stonewalling · brushoff
talk, talking, talkative, talker, talked, talkers, talking to, talkback