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give it to

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Punish or reprimand, as in Dad really gave it to Tom for coming in so late. This expression, implying a physical or verbal attack, dates from the late 1500s. Also see give someone hell. In more recent times the expression gave rise to give it to someone straight, meaning “to tell someone something candidly and directly.” For example, I asked the doctor to give it to use straight about Mother's condition.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
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Words nearby give it to

give free rein to, give ground, Give him enough rope and he'll hang himself, give in, give it one's best shot, give it to, give me a break, Give me liberty or give me death, Give me your tired, your poor, given, Givenchy
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Words related to give it to

afflict, bother, depress, encumber, hamper, handicap, hinder, lade, oppress, overload, overwhelm, weigh down, exact, expose, levy, wreak, freight, load, pile, saddle
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