Opinion - Criticism

Master English idioms regarding criticism, like "be on the receiving end" and "throw cold water on".

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a flea in {one's} [ear] [phrase]

a sharp expression of one's disapproval or criticism of someone as a result of their action or behavior

Ex: When the employee offered a flea in his ear about the inefficiencies in the company 's processes , the manager took immediate action to address the issues .

to [have] a go [phrase]

to criticize someone severely because of what they said or did

Ex: The teacher had a go at the students for not taking the assignment seriously and submitting subpar work .

to [read] {sb} the riot act [phrase]

to angrily warn or threaten someone so that they will not make the same mistake

Ex:

to [rake] {sb/sth} over the coals [phrase]

to severely criticize someone because of their mistake

Ex: The teacher raked the students over the coals for their lack of preparation and participation in class .

to [drag] {sb/sth} over the coals [phrase]

to subject someone to severe criticism

Ex:

[let] {sb} have it [sentence]

to violently criticize or punish a person over what they did or said

Ex:

to [whale] on {sb/sth} [phrase]

to strongly criticize someone or something for something bad that has happened

Ex: The teacher did n't hesitate to whale on the students who were caught cheating on the exam .

water off a duck's back [phrase]

(of criticisms or warnings) failing to have any effect on a person

Ex: Her coworkers ' gossip and rumors were like water off a duck 's back ; she focused on her work and ignored the negativity .

(in|on) the firing line [phrase]

likely to receive much criticism

Ex: In the competitive industry , staying innovative is crucial for companies that want to remain on the firing line .

[be] on the receiving end [phrase]

to experience the effects or consequences of actions, often from others

Ex: The customer service representative was on the receiving end of numerous complaints about the product defects .

in full cry [phrase]

used to refer to the act of doing something with a lot of energy and excitement

Ex: As the election campaign gained momentum , the supporters were in full cry , canvassing neighborhoods and rallying voters .

to [throw|pour] cold water on {sth} [phrase]

to demotivate a person by talking negatively about their plans or opinions

Ex: Every time he brought up the possibility of pursuing a career in the arts , his pragmatic parents would throw cold water on his dreams , urging him to choose a more stable path .

the pot calling the kettle black [phrase]

used when someone is criticizing another for a fault that they have as well

Ex: Sarah accused her friend of gossiping too much , but it was the pot calling the kettle black because she was known for sharing rumors herself .

to [take] a beating [phrase]

to face strong negative feedback or verbal abuse

Ex: During the heated debate , the politician had to take a beating from opponents who questioned his integrity and policy decisions .

Opinion
Agreement or Approval	Disagreement or Disapproval	Criticism	Rebuke
Expressing Opinions	Discussion	Point of View	Making a Point
Thoughts & Assumptions	Argument	Quarrel