Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

read-the-riot-act

idiom

/ˈriːd ðə ˈraɪət ækt/

Definition

To reprimand someone severely or to warn them about the consequences of their actions.

Examples

When the employees showed up late repeatedly, the manager decided to read them the riot act during the meeting.
The coach read the players the riot act after their poor performance in the last game.
After several warnings, the teacher finally read the riot act to the disruptive students.

Meaning

The phrase originates from legislation allowing authorities to disperse a group of people engaged in unlawful behavior. It suggests taking serious action against wrongdoing.