Word: Dressing Down
Definition: "Dressing down" is a noun that means a severe scolding or reprimand. It is when someone is told off or criticized strongly for their behavior or actions.
Usage Instructions: You can use "dressing down" when talking about a situation where someone gets in trouble, especially in a work or school setting. It usually implies that the person giving the dressing down is in a position of authority, like a manager or teacher.
Example: - After missing the deadline, Tom received a dressing down from his boss.
Advanced Usage: In more formal contexts, you might say, "The manager gave an extensive dressing down to the team for their lack of preparation." This shows that the reprimand was not only severe but also thorough.
Word Variants: The phrase "to dress down" can also be used as a phrasal verb. It means to scold someone. For example: - The teacher dressed down the students for talking during the lesson.
Different Meanings: In a different context, "dressing down" can also refer to the act of dressing in a casual or informal way. For example: - On weekends, I prefer dressing down in comfortable clothes.
Synonyms:Some synonyms for "dressing down" (in the sense of scolding) include: - Reprimand - Admonition - Scolding - Rebuke - Criticism
Idioms and Related Expressions: - "Get a tongue-lashing": This idiom means to receive a harsh verbal reprimand. - "Give someone a piece of your mind": This means to express your strong feelings about someone's behavior, often in a critical way.
Remember, "dressing down" generally has a negative connotation, as it involves strong criticism.