ream someone out

ream out

1. To carve, hollow, or smooth out the inside of something with a reamer (a rotary cutting tool) or a similar implement. A noun or pronoun can be used between "ream" and "out." He reamed out the holes on the frame so that the larger pins of the new panel would fit properly.2. To aggressively and angrily rebuke, criticize, or chastise someone, especially for some mistake or wrongdoing. A noun or pronoun can be used between "ream" and "out." I'm going to quit my job—I'm so sick of irate customers coming in and reaming me out for something I have no control over. The boss reamed out the entire team for screwing up the accounts.See also: out, ream

ream someone out

tv. to scold someone severely. The coach reamed out the whole team. See also: out, ream, someone