Choose the alternative which gives the correct meaning of the given idiom or phrase.
Read somebody the Riot Act
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Correct Answer: To reprimand someone very severely
Explanation:
• The idiom "read somebody the Riot Act" means to give someone a stern warning or severely scold them for bad behavior or misconduct.
• Historically, it comes from the British Riot Act of 1714, where officials literally read a proclamation ordering unruly crowds to disperse under threat of punishment.
• Example: The manager read the entire team the Riot Act after they repeatedly missed critical project deadlines.