teach a lesson

Idioms and Phrases

Punish in order to prevent a recurrence of bad behavior. For example, Timmy set the wastebasket on fire; that should teach him a lesson about playing with matches . This term uses lesson in the sense of “a punishment or rebuke,” a usage dating from the late 1500s. Also see learn one's lesson .

Example Sentences

Noticing Lisa is depressed, Gaga takes her under her wing to teach a lesson in confidence.

From Los Angeles Times

These experiences do not always exist to be traumatizing or even to teach a lesson.

From Salon

The people would "teach a lesson" to those who insult Erdogan, he said.

From Reuters

I don’t think you are purposely doing this — I believe you are trying to stick up for yourself and “teach a lesson” — but I can guarantee that your son is not growing skills here.

From Washington Post

That might be desirable if prosecutors wish to teach a lesson about the circumstance, or to remove a dangerous person from the public.

From Slate

Related Words

• abuse
• chastise
• correct
• crack down on
• discipline
• dismiss
• execute
• expel
• fine
• harm
• hurt
• incarcerate
• sentence