1 C1 idiomatic slang
(Informal, American) To scold or reprimand someone harshly and severely.
"The sergeant reamed out the recruits for their careless mistake during the drill."
separable
ream out
C1 slang separable transitive
To scold or criticise someone severely and angrily, often in a humiliating way.
In plain English
To shout at someone very angrily and tell them off in a harsh or humiliating way.
What does "ream out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
(Technical) To enlarge, smooth, or clean out a hole using a reamer or similar tool.
"The plumber reamed out the pipe to remove the build-up of sediment blocking it."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use a reamer (a tool) to widen or clean out a hole in metal or other material.
Actually means
To shout at someone very angrily and tell them off in a harsh or humiliating way.
Usage tip
Primarily American English. Considered vulgar in origin and tone. Used in informal speech when someone has been harshly reprimanded. The object (the person being scolded) comes between or after: 'ream him out' or 'ream out the whole team'. Also has a literal mechanical sense (to enlarge a hole).
Words that pair with "ream out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
boss coach sergeant player employee team
How to conjugate "ream out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ream out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
reams out
he/she/it
Past simple
reamed out
yesterday
Past participle
reamed out
have + pp
-ing form
reaming out
continuous
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