give (someone) the rough edge of (one's) tongue

To give someone severe criticism or a stern reprimand. I thought my project was fine, but did you hear Ms. Miller's critique? Boy, she gave me the rough edge of her tongue after class! I know you want to give them the rough edge of your tongue at times, but you need to show some restraint or you're going to lose their respect. The boss is gonna give me the rough edge of his tongue when he finds out that the printing error was my fault.