give someone what for
狠狠地批评或惩罚某人
口语·表达严厉训斥
英文释义
to reprimand or scold someone severely
例句
When he came home late again, his mom gave him what for.
典故来源
19世纪英国口语，源自“what for”意为“为什么”，引申为严厉质问或惩罚。