give it to

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.

Example Sentences

And you want something from us, you want a benefit from us, but we’re not going to give it to you until we are convinced, unless and until you are truthful and give us information that we can work with.

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I have to give it to Bill Plaschke when he’s right.

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“I wanted to get them all the information that they wanted, that they needed, give it to him as fast as as I could, to assist, to help,” Bonta said.

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“Sorry, Ma. We’ll give it to one of my aunts or something to sew back together.”

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“If you have some, yes, give it to me, I beg you! Writing even a few lines of melancholy poetry has drained every drop of strength from me. Perhaps a nice thick slice of pumpernickel with a smear of caviar would restore my will to live.”

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Related Words

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