talking-to
Americannoun
plural
talking-tosnoun
Etymology
Origin of talking-to
First recorded in 1875–80
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.
A renowned Brazilian tribal chief said Wednesday on the sidelines of UN climate talks that he would not hesitate to give the president a "talking-to" if he ignored concerns over oil exploration near the mouth of the Amazon River.
From Barron's
"I will make an appointment with him, and, if necessary, I will give him a talking-to so that he listens to me," said Raoni -- instantly recognizable for the large wooden plate in his lower lip.
From Barron's
It worked, although he got a talking-to about knowing his role.
From Salon
Studio executives continuing to insist on that nonsense deserve Marvel’s first family to give them a disappointed talking-to, and send them to back their boardrooms without supper..
From Los Angeles Times
They could both use a talking-to from Piper, who is trying to get to the essence of her identity without male validation.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
