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
Spencer once dreamed of coaching big-time college football and his blunt, salty style could have served him well barking orders from the sideline or delivering a tongue-lashing locker-room speech.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 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
The tongue-lashing he gave his grandson brought the whole crew topside.
From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham
