chew out

verb

1. informal,  (tr, adverb) to reprimand

Idioms and Phrases

Scold harshly, as in Dad will chew you out for taking the car without permission. Originating in the military, this slangy term began to be used during World War I and soon spread to civilian life. Several vulgar versions, such as chew someone's ass out, should be avoided in polite speech. Also see eat out, def. 2.

Example Sentences

“If you miss something big and a competitor releases it first? Then you’re getting chewed out by your boss.”

From Los Angeles Times

It wasn’t the play calls or blocking assignments running through the young freshman’s mind — it was the fear of making a blunder and getting “chewed out” in his first real opportunity to prove himself.

From Los Angeles Times

I just had Mikey improvise a little bit, just basically chewing out the dudes, the two Armenian henchmen.

From Los Angeles Times

Payton famously chewed out Russell Wilson on the sideline in games against the Jets, Chargers and Lions last year.

From Seattle Times

Brotman was the public address announcer, and recalled one time when he was chewed out by an umpire — and Hodges came to his aid.

From Washington Times