chew out

verb

1. informal.
   tr, adverb to reprimand

Idioms and Phrases

Scold harshly, as in Dad will chew you out for taking the car without permission . Originating in the military, this slangy term began to be used during World War I and soon spread to civilian life. Several vulgar versions, such as chew someone's ass out , should be avoided in polite speech. Also see eat out , def. 2.