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!
Pro Tip 2/3
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.
Pro Tip 3/3
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.