Give somebody a mouthful
verb
To scold or criticize someone harshly.
John was late for work again, so his boss gave him a mouthful.
Often appears as...
- give somebody a mouthful for being late
- give somebody a mouthful for making mistakes
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To say a lot to someone, often in an angry way.
When she saw the condition of the kitchen, she gave the kids a mouthful.
Often appears as...
- give somebody a mouthful about a mess
- give somebody a mouthful about an attitude
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To scold or criticize someone harshly.
John was late for work again, so his boss gave him a mouthful.
Often appears as...
- give somebody a mouthful for being late
- give somebody a mouthful for making mistakes
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To say a lot to someone, often in an angry way.
When she saw the condition of the kitchen, she gave the kids a mouthful.
Often appears as...
- give somebody a mouthful about a mess
- give somebody a mouthful about an attitude
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Strong Emotions
The phrase often expresses anger or frustration toward someone's actions or behavior.
After damaging the car, Tom got a mouthful from his father.
Pro Tip 2/3Confrontational Context
Used when confronting someone about something they've done wrong, underscoring the severity of the scolding.
She gave me a mouthful when I forgot to lock the door.
Pro Tip 3/3Sudden Outburst
Often describes a sudden or unexpected scolding, catching the listener off guard.
My coach gave me a mouthful right in the middle of the game.
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