give it to

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Related Words

• afflict
• bother
• depress
• encumber
• hamper
• hinder
• lade
• oppress
• overload
• overwhelm
• weigh down