a rod/stick to beat somebody with

stick to beat (someone or something) with

Something, often a mishap or misdeed, that is used as an excuse for criticism. Even the slightest mistake by Stan was enough to give the boss a stick to beat him with.

See also: beat, stick, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

a rod/stick to ˈbeat somebody with

a fact, an argument, etc. that is used in order to blame or punish somebody: The results of the national exams this year are being used as another stick to beat teachers with.

See also: beat, rod, somebody, stick, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017