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.
The “Oppenheimer” and “Mary Poppins Returns” star gave Gosling a stern talking-to onstage, calling him out for ruining their “The Fall Guy” promotional spot and for embarrassing himself by “Kenning” again.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2024
A half-time talking-to by Plymouth boss Ian Foster, appointed as Steven Schumacher's successor last month, produced a second-half performance from the home side full of energy and intent, but few chances.
From BBC • Feb. 17, 2024
Now banks will get a talking-to from their risk managers and from investors, maybe even at shareholder meetings.
From Scientific American • Mar. 18, 2023
But then, day two rolled around and, suddenly, there were rules and talking-to sit-downs and the like.
From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2022
She was giving herself a good talking-to as she trudged up the steps to the first floor.
From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein
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.
