A verbal attack on something, a criticism. Frequently in to take (also have, make) a cockshy at.

colloquial. A severe or crushing reply, article, review, etc.

A severe criticism or review.

One who or something which scarifies. literal and figurative.

A severe criticism or literary castigation.

A severe criticism; a slating.

A verbal attack; spec. an instance of harsh or cruel criticism.

Scathing criticism, invective; also, an instance of this.

Chiefly British. An instance of severe punishment, criticism, etc.; (Sport) a heavy defeat.

slang. A beating, a thrashing. Also figurative: a heavy defeat; a severe punishment. Cf. basting, n.3, nointing, n. 2.

forthright verbal criticism or coercive treatment, esp. on the part of a woman; an instance of this.