give it to

Idioms and Phrases

Punish or reprimand, as in Dad really gave it to Tom for coming in so late . This expression, implying a physical or verbal attack, dates from the late 1500s. Also see give someone hell . In more recent times the expression gave rise to give it to someone straight , meaning “to tell someone something candidly and directly.” For example, I asked the doctor to give it to use straight about Mother's condition .

Example Sentences

She said, if in their position, she would "rather give it to charity."

From BBC

And we’re here to give it to you.

From Los Angeles Times

A majority of Americans want an autocratic strongman show and Trump and the Republicans are happy to give it to them.

From Salon

A lot of fans wanted this stuff that we’d done in that time, and we thought we’d give it to them.

From Los Angeles Times

“Nothing can be easy and then be filled when you give it to an audience.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afflict
• bother
• depress
• encumber
• hamper
• hinder
• lade
• oppress
• overload
• overwhelm
• weigh down