
Have/tan somebody’s hide
Metaphorical Threat
The phrase is often used metaphorically for a severe warning rather than an actual physical punishment.
Finish your chores or I'll tan your hide!
Colloquial Usage
This is a colloquial expression, not suitable for formal situations or written formal documents.
She threatened to tan his hide if he was late once more.
Idiomatic Expression
Understand that it's an idiom; the words should not be taken literally, but as an expression with a figurative meaning.
After seeing the prank, the coach exclaimed he'd tan their hides.
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension