World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesGive Someone the Business
/ɡɪv ˈsʌm.wʌn ðə ˈbɪz.nɪs/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To criticize or reprimand someone, often in a harsh or aggressive manner.
"When he arrived late again, the manager really gave him the business." - 2
To treat someone unfairly or to take advantage of them.
"The contractor gave us the business by overcharging for the repairs."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The phrase 'give someone the business' likely originated in American English in the early 20th century, where 'business' referred to a serious or harsh treatment. It evolved from earlier uses of 'business' meaning trouble or difficulty, reflecting a shift towards a more colloquial expression of reprimanding or scolding someone.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Give Someone the Business"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Give Someone the Business" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
Faire des reproches à quelqu'un
Transliteration: fɛʁ de ʁəpʁoʃ a kɛlkœ̃
"Le patron lui a fait des reproches pour son retard."
Jemanden zurechtweisen
Transliteration: ˈjeːmandən tsuˈʁɛçtˌvaɪ̯zn̩
"Der Chef hat ihn wegen seiner Verspätung zurechtgewiesen."
Rimproverare qualcuno
Transliteration: rimproverare kwal'kuno
"Il capo ha rimproverato il dipendente per il ritardo."
Regañar a alguien
Transliteration: reɣaˈɲaɾ a ˈalɣjen
"El jefe le regañó por llegar tarde."
Repreender alguém
Transliteration: ʁepɾeˈẽdeʁ aʊˈɡẽ
"O chefe repreendeu o funcionário pelo atraso."
किसी को डांटना
Transliteration: Kisi ko daantna
"बॉस ने उसे देर से आने पर डांटा।"
训斥某人
Transliteration: xùnchì mǒurén
"老板因为他迟到而训斥了他。"
누군가를 꾸짖다
Transliteration: nugungareul kkujida
"상사가 그를 지각했다고 꾸짖었다."
誰かを叱る
Transliteration: dareka o shikaru
"上司は彼を遅刻したことで叱った。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsExplore Nuanced Synonyms for "Give Someone the Business"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.