dressing-down

American  

[dres-ing-doun] / ˈdrɛs ɪŋˈdaʊn /

noun

1. a severe reprimand; scolding.

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dressing-down British  

noun

1. informal a severe scolding or thrashing

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Etymology

Origin of dressing-down

1860–65, noun use (with -ing ¹ ) of verb phrase dress down

Example Sentences

“And they have stared in amazement at the improvements that this mysterious process can effect in the credit ratings of the slices…” For his troubles, Grant, along with his trusted assistant, was called into S&P for a dressing-down.

From Literature

The tensions were evident at the recent meeting when the issue of officer shootings led to a public dressing-down of the chief.

From Los Angeles Times

In a recent dressing-down of Bezos in the Atlantic, former Post executive editor Martin Baron, once a fan, wrote: “Now we know Bezos is no Katharine Graham.”

From Los Angeles Times

“He says, ‘You’re not welcome here,’” Ms. Pollini said, crying as she recalled the intensity of his dressing-down.

From New York Times

The chairman had to talk them down as the pair continued to bicker, during a dressing-down by Mr. Sanders.

From Washington Times