dressing-down

American  

[dres-ing-doun] / ˈdrɛs ɪŋˈdaʊn /

noun

1. a severe reprimand; scolding.

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dressing-down British  

noun

1. informal a severe scolding or thrashing

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Etymology

Origin of dressing-down

1860–65, noun use (with -ing ¹ ) of verb phrase dress down

Example Sentences

The young duo's indiscretion represented the most challenging disciplinary issue Southgate had faced as England manager, and some reports shortly after the event claimed he stormed up to the pair's room and issued an angry dressing-down.

From BBC

Two other employees were sufficiently concerned by the public dressing-down of a colleague that they filed complaints with Basecamp’s human resources officer.

From The Verge

The depth of Russia's bitterness over its treatment by former allies was reflected in a foreign ministry statement on Friday after Moscow had summoned the Polish ambassador for a dressing-down.

From Reuters

It also summoned the U.S. ambassador for a diplomatic dressing-down.

From Reuters

The colorful dressing-down came during a press conference on the Hurricane Michael recovery after reporters asked about his battle with CBS, which shows no signs of deescalating.

From Washington Times