Tell off In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "tell off", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Katie Anh calendar 2022-04-21 09:04

Meaning of Tell off

Synonyms:

chew (one's) ass (out) , dress down , give tongue-lashing

Tell off phrasal verb spoken language

Used to describe scolding or reprimanding someone.

My mother told me off for skipping the class yesterday.

Even if this is his fault, you don't have a right to tell him off.

Used to describe assigning someone to a particular task.

We were told off to protect the ambassadors when the conference takes place.

The boss told off two more soldiers to the village's outskirts.

Other phrases about:

with a flea in your ear

A harsh reproof

dress down

1. To dress more informally than usual

2. To scold someone harshly

chew (one's) ass (out)

To scold someone severely or angrily

take (one) behind the woodshed

To secretly punish or rebuke someone for doing something.

take (one) to task

To scold someone

Grammar and Usage of Tell off

Verb Forms

  • tell off
  • tells off
  • told off
  • be telling off

It is mostly used in the present tense.

 

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TODAY
Let not poor Nelly starve
One of the last words of King Charles II when he asked his brother to look after Nell (his mistress)
Example: King Charles II did indeed have many mistresses, Nell was one. "Let not poor Nelly starve" he said.
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