Used to convey strong disapproval, often in professional settings or authority figures. The supervisor dressed down an assistant for not following guidelines.
Pro Tip 2/3
Power Dynamics
Indicates a power imbalance, where one person has authority over another. During the meeting, the manager dressed down the junior staff member.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Literal
Does not involve changing clothes; it's metaphorical for a verbal reprimand. Even though the phrase suggests attire, when the coach dressed down the player, it involved no actual clothes.