tells off
Gives sharp words
To tell someone off is to scold or reprimand them sharply, usually for a specific offense: His mother told him off for tracking mud through the house.
The phrase suggests direct confrontation rather than gentle correction.
In British military usage, to tell off soldiers is to assign them to a duty or detail.
- rebukesCriticizes sharply for wrongdoing
- scoldsHarshly criticizes aloud
- take to taskCriticize for wrongdoing
- read the riot actSeverely warn of consequences
- criticizesExpresses unfavorable judgment
authority · anger · censures · reproaches · berates · give an earful · let have it · rake over the coals · frustration · disappointment · in trouble · admonishes · lectures · stern warning · dressing-down · tongue-lashing · reprimands · discipline
verbal response to behavior
tells offpraises
Verbally commends
compliments · commends · applauds · congratulates · lauds