read someone the riot act

Definition

To scold or berate somebody; to reprimand.

Etymology

From read the Riot Act. See sense 2. The Riot Act is a historical British Act of Parliament enacted in 1714, which stated that once a statutory warning was read out to rioters and they failed to disperse within one hour, then authorities may use any force to disperse them with impunity.

Example Sentences

• "She really read him the riot act about his smoking habit."