curtain lecture

noun

1. Older Use.,  a scolding administered in private by a wife to her husband.

curtain lecture

noun

1. a scolding or rebuke given in private, esp by a wife to her husband

Word History and Origins

Origin of curtain lecture¹

First recorded in 1625–35

Word History and Origins

Origin of curtain lecture¹

alluding to the curtained beds where such rebukes were once given