the rough edge of (one's) tongue

the rough edge of (one's) tongue

A harsh scolding or rebuke; a verbal lashing. The teacher gave us the rough edge of her tongue after she caught us reading comics in the back of class. I know you feel they deserve the rough edge of your tongue at times, but you need to show some restraint or you're going to lose their respect.

See also: edge, of, rough, tongue

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

the rough edge (or side) of your tongue

a scolding.

See also: edge, of, rough, tongue

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017