read (one) a lesson

read (one) a lesson

To scold, reprimand, or reprove someone severely for an error or mistake. I was read a lesson by my boss last week for messing up the accounting software. I know Mary messed up, but there was no need to read her a lesson for it.See also: lesson, read

read a

lecture/lesson To issue a reprimand: My parents read me a lecture because I had neglected my chores.See also: read