read the riot act
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She sang with Muppets, talked with the aliens and read the riot act to Philip Seymour Hoffman.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2024
"It reads a lot like a stern but polite reprimand of a child caught red handed who needs to be read the riot act," he wrote.
From Salon • Sep. 22, 2022
Washington was also a different team in the second half after getting read the riot act by Rivera.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 13, 2021
He and his team-mate Ricciardo have been read the riot act by Red Bull after taking each other out in Baku but the Dutchman is still smiling.
From The Guardian • May 13, 2018
He grasped his cane and was on the point of scrambling down the rocks, either to assault the robbers or to read the riot act, when he was suddenly grasped by the arm.
From Tales of a Traveller by Irving, Washington
