tongue-lashing

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.

The New York federal district court judge gave Doyle a tongue-lashing and sentenced him to six years in prison, twice the time stipulated in his plea bargain, citing his record that included 11 convictions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

Well, he’s apparently been chatting with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the whole matter, and he’s invited TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew—once the subject of a bipartisan tongue-lashing in Congress—to attend his Monday inauguration.

From Slate • Jan. 17, 2025

Payton’s tongue-lashing of Wilson remains a puzzle because the quarterback didn’t seem at fault for any of the three non-touchdowns in that goal-line sequence.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2023

It may even be accompanied by a tongue-lashing of the former president.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2023

The tongue-lashing he gave his grandson brought the whole crew topside.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham