whale on
C1 slang inseparable transitive
In simple words
To keep hitting someone very hard, or to keep criticizing someone over and over again.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
slang
To hit someone or something repeatedly and with great force.
"The older kid was whaling on his little brother when their mother walked in."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
slang
To criticize or verbally attack someone repeatedly and harshly.
"The commentators have been whaling on the new coach ever since the team lost four games in a row."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Chiefly American slang. Primarily used in the physical sense for hitting or beating, but extends to verbal attacks and criticism. Vivid and emphatic; not used in formal writing.
Commonly used with
opponent bully critics target drums
Forms
Base
whale on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
whales on
he/she/it
Past simple
whaled on
yesterday
Past participle
whaled on
have + pp
-ing form
whaling on
continuous
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