give (someone) the length of (one's) tongue



give (someone) the length of (one's) tongue

To voice one's opinion, often in an aggressive or abusive way. I thought Paul was unhappy, but I did not expect him to lash out and give me the length of his tongue like that. I can't stand being around my mom when she starts giving us the length of her tongue.
See also: give, length, of, tongue

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Aliviaə-LIV-ee-əEnglish (Modern)
Pelagiyapye-lah-GEE-yah, pee-lah-GEE-yahRussian
Lavinia[lə'viniə]
Balzac['bælzæk]
KelceyKEL-seeEnglish (Rare)
Shikoba-Native American, Choctaw