talking-to
idiomPart oftalking
talking-to — idiom
1. a serious conversation in which someone is told they have done something wrong a
1.idiom
Definition
a serious conversation in which someone is told they have done something wrong and are given a warning or scolding.
Example
After Eli broke the neighbour's window, his father gave him a stern talking-to about respecting other people's property.
The manager gave the team a talking-to after they missed three deadlines in a row.