give it to someone
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To punish or yell at someone very strongly, or to beat someone badly in a game or fight.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To scold or punish someone severely.
"When she found out he had lied, she really gave it to him."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To defeat someone convincingly in a competition or conflict.
"The home team gave it to the visitors in the second half, scoring four goals."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The phrase is idiomatic and context-dependent. In informal speech it most often means to scold or reprimand. In competitive contexts it can mean to decisively beat an opponent. Can also have a sexual connotation in some informal registers, so context is important.
Commonly used with
boss teacher opponent team player critic
Forms
Base
give it to someone
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gives it to someone
he/she/it
Past simple
gave it to someone
yesterday
Past participle
given it to someone
have + pp
-ing form
giving it to someone
continuous
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