give it to

Idioms

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

give it to

According to investigators, she gave her driver money and instructed him to give it to a performer.

From Salon ● Sep. 5, 2026

“My parents gave it to me; I will give it to our kids,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026

"They'll be cryopreserved, so we can make a bunch of doses and give it to different patients," Sunwoo said.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 25, 2026

Killie Tadley: McInnes has his dream job, Moyes won't leave Everton... give it to a Scottish manager.

From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2026

“You can’t fight the Varangian with a broken arm. Now, give it to me.”

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023