reading the riot act (to)
phrase
as in scolding
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings The officer read the riot act to her for speeding in a school zone. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- scolding
- dressing down
- calling down
- lecturing
- bawling out
- chewing out
- reprimanding
- laying into
- railing (at or against)
- ranting (at)
- reaming (out)
- criticizing
- blaming
- taking to task
- upbraiding
- berating
- ragging
- rating
- basting
- chastising
- attacking
- admonishing
- keelhauling
- mocking
- scoring
- flaying
- jawing
- remonstrating (with)
- rebuking
- lambasting
- reproaching
- lacing (into)
- hammering
- faulting
- castigating
- tongue-lashing
- chiding
- vituperating
- panning
- reprehending
- lashing
- slamming
- reviling
- putting down
- crucifying
- belittling
- knocking
- denouncing
- assailing
- condemning
- disparaging
- scourging
- haranguing
- abusing
- blasting
- excoriating
- reproving
- ridiculing
- censuring
- scoffing
- bad-mouthing
- scorning
- dissing
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- endorsing
- approving
- indorsing
- sanctioning
- praising
- lauding
- extolling