take a telling-off

To be scolded, rebuked, or reprimanded, as for a wrongdoing. I took a telling-off from my teacher in front of the whole class for sticking my tongue out at him. My brother just can't take a telling-off. If our parents even raise their voices to him, he starts getting teary-eyed!

See also: take

See also:

get taken to task (by someone)
be taken to task (by someone)
be brought to task (by someone)
get called on the carpet
get dressed down
get (the) what for
give somebody/get what for
scold (one) for (something)
scold for
scold (one) about (something)

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