told off
Got a lecture
Told off is the past tense of tell off, meaning to reprimand or scold sharply: She told him off for showing up late.
The phrase implies direct, forceful criticism delivered to someone's face, often after patience has run out: I finally told off my noisy neighbor.
- scoldedHarshly reprimanded
- reprimandedOfficially expressed disapproval
- admonishedWarned or reproved
- criticizedExpressed disapproval of
- called outVocally summoned or criticized
rebuked · taken to task · berated · read the riot act · raked over the coals · censured · upbraided · castigated · chastised · reproached · lectured · dressing-down · put in one's place · anger · disappointment · consequences · frustration · irritation
- humiliationashamed, abasement, embarrassed, chagrin, mortified
verbal evaluation
told offpraised
Expressed approval of
commended · complimented · congratulated · lauded · applauded