Opinion - Rebuke

Explore English idioms that relate to rebukes, including "sharp tongue" and "tear a strip off".

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sharp tongue [noun]

one's tendency to speak to people in a very critical manner

Ex: Despite his friendly demeanor , John 's sharp tongue emerged when he was provoked , leaving others taken aback by his sudden verbal precision .

to [get] the rough side of {one's} tongue [phrase]

to speak to a person who has done something wong or inappropriate in a very angry or harsh manner

Ex:

to [skin] {sb} alive [phrase]

to punish a person harshly, often by severely criticizing them

Ex:

to [tear] a strip off {sb} [phrase]

to speak to or criticize a person in an angry or serious manner, particularly because of their wrongdoing

Ex:

{sb} (can|could) dish it out, but {sb} (cannot|could not) take it [sentence]

used to mean that someone is capable of criticizing or teasing others, but they become sensitive or defensive when faced with the same kind of criticism or teasing themselves

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to [eat] {sb} alive [phrase]

to harshly reprimand someone for what they did

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under fire [phrase]

used of a person or an organization that is facing strong and negative feedback

Ex:

under siege [phrase]

receiving much criticism

Ex: The athlete 's reputation was under siege after allegations of doping surfaced , leading to investigations and widespread condemnation .

to [give] {sb} hell [phrase]

to criticize or scold someone harshly or relentlessly

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