chew out
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To shout at someone and tell them off very strongly because they did something wrong.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To scold someone harshly and angrily, usually in a position of authority over them.
"The coach chewed out the entire team for their sloppy performance in the first half."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Primarily American English. Strongly associated with military, sports, and workplace contexts where a superior reprimands a subordinate. Less common in British English, where 'tear a strip off' or 'dress down' might be preferred.
Commonly used with
boss sergeant coach mistake performance employee
Forms
Base
chew out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chews out
he/she/it
Past simple
chewed out
yesterday
Past participle
chewed out
have + pp
-ing form
chewing out
continuous
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