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earful

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an earful

A lengthy reprimand or lecture. I got an earful from my mom once she heard about my speeding ticket. I gave that kid an earful after he dented my car.

See also: earful

*an earful

Fig. a great amount of discussion, criticism, gossip, or complaint. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) She was really mad about something, and I sure got an earful. Sue was standing around the corner while Jim and Mary were arguing and got an earful.

See also: earful

get an earful

to have a lot to listen to His fans got quite an earful - several well-known pieces spiced up with new arrangements.

Usage notes: often said about criticism or unwanted suggestions: I got a very unpleasant earful from a truck driver who thought I was in his way.

See also: earful, get

give somebody an earful

  (informal)

to tell someone how angry you are with them You can just imagine the earful he gave her when they got home.

See also: earful, give

earful

(ˈirfʊl)

1. n. a tremendous amount of gossip. I can give you an earful about the mayor.

2. n. a scolding. Her mother gave her an earful when she finally got home.

give someone an earful

1. tv. to scold someone. Sally gave Sam an earful for the way he treated Mary.

2. tv. to tell someone surprising secrets. Willy gave Sally an earful about Todd’s tax problems.

See also: earful, give