talking-to

[taw-king-too]

noun

plural

talking-tos 

1. a scolding.

talking-to

noun

1. informal,  a session of criticism, as of the work or attitude of a subordinate by a person in authority

Word History and Origins

Origin of talking-to¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

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

“The H.R. talking-to clearly didn’t work, because soon after, Hegseth attended the wedding of a Fox News colleague, where he reportedly got so drunk that he struggled to stay upright in a men’s bathroom, and friends asked a producer who was there to get him a ride home. OK, finally! ‘Someone at Fox News who’s responsible,’ is what I would say if that sentence did not end with ‘So he could make it to the set by 6 a.m.’

From New York Times

But after a serious talking-to from his corner, Catterall aimed to take the front foot and it paid off as he rocked Prograis with a hammering left.

From BBC

Related Words

• admonition 
• censure 
• rebuke