give it to

Idioms  

1. 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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Example Sentences

He said some detainees either throw the food away or give it to others.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

“They just said, ‘Have him resubmit his application and we’ll give it to him.’”

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

"I think he deserves a second chance and I would give it to him," the Serb businessman told BBC Sport in an exclusive interview.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

With the hantavirus antibody, the aim would be to give it to people exposed to the virus, to either ward off infection or limit the severity of any illness, Chandran said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

She reached her hand out to take my backpack from me, but I didn’t want to give it to her.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Related Words

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