give someone a good working over

give (one) a (good) working over

1. To harshly scold one for an extended period of time. Man, the boss really gave me a working over for messing up that client's account. She gave her teenage daughter a good working over for breaking curfew. You submitted your project late? Ooh, I bet the professor gave you a good working over.

2. To beat one, especially in a way intended to punish or intimidate. The mafia leader sent a couple of goons to give the witness a good working over so that she wouldn't testify in court. Good luck getting Al to tell you anything. He knows that that mob thugs always give snitches a good working over. Look, if you keep causing trouble, the bouncer is gonna give you a working over.

See also: give, over, working

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

give someone a (good) working over

tv. to scold or beat someone. The boss gave me a good working over before firing me.

See also: give, good, over, someone, working

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.