trip to the woodshed
Old-fashioned parental correction
A trip to the woodshed is a stern reprimand or punishment, especially one delivered in private.
The phrase evokes rural America, where a father might take a misbehaving child to an outbuilding for discipline away from others: The CEO's trip to the woodshed with the board left him chastened.
Sometimes shortened to woodshed or woodshedding in this sense.
- call on the carpetFormally reprimand someone
- taken to taskCriticized for wrongdoing
- chastisementFormal scolding or correction
- read the riot actSeverely warn of consequences
- slamForceful impact or closure
parental authority · correction · reprimand · accountability · come to Jesus · contrition · humility · eat humble pie · rebuke · consequence · face the music · admonishment · behind closed doors · punishment · tough love · admonition · shame · woodshed
trip to the woodshedpublic praise
Commendation given openly
pat on the back · commendation · accolade · kudos · attaboy
trip to the woodshedawards ceremony
Event presenting formal recognition
medal ceremony · ticker-tape parade · coronation · honor roll · employee of the month
trips, tripped, tripping, tripper, woods, wooded, wooden, woodsy, woodland