Columbia

give (one) Hail Columbia

To scold someone harshly. "Hail Columbia" is a euphemism for "hell." My mom really gave me Hail Columbia when she saw my report card and found out that I was failing three classes. Dude, the boss is definitely going to give you Hail Columbia if you don't finish the report on time. Hey, don't give me Hail Columbia—I had nothing to do with the prank!

See also: Columbia, give, hail

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

give someone Hail Columbia

Inf. to scold someone severely. The teacher gave her students Hail Columbia over their poor test scores. If Miss Ellen finds out I broke her window, she'll give me Hail Columbia for sure!

See also: Columbia, give, hail

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.