read a lecture

Idioms  

1. Also, read a lesson. Issue a reprimand, as in Dad read us a lecture after the teacher phoned and complained. The first term dates from the late 1500s, the variant from the early 1600s. Also see read the riot act; teach a lesson.

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Example Sentences

At a meeting of the National Swine Industry Committee in Chicago, he read a lecture to the processors and distributors of meat products.

From Time Magazine Archive

He'll read a lecture on an aspect of the woman question he's never thought about.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

What a rogue this is, to read a lecture to me—and mine own lesson too, which he knows I have made perfect to nine hundred fourscore and nineteen!

From A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 9 by Various

Gentle Northumberland, If thy offences were upon record, Would it not shame thee in so fair a troop To read a lecture of them?

From King Richard II by Shakespeare, William

Now that I have anatomised his thoughts, I'll read a lecture on them that shall save Many men's lives, and to the kingdom minister Most wholesome surgery.

From The Noble Spanish Soldier by Dekker, Thomas