tell-off
Chunk: tell off
Meaning & Usage
To tell someone off means to criticize or scold them angrily because they have done something wrong. It is typically used when an authority figure (like a boss, parent, or teacher) yells at someone.
🧲 Common Collocates
- Structure:
tell + Object + off + for + Verb-ing - Contexts: get told off, told me off, boss told him off.
💬 Contextual Examples
- His boss told him off in front of the whole office for being late again.
- I'm going to get told off if I don't finish my chores before my mom gets home.
- The teacher told the students off for talking during the exam.
🎴 Interactive Web Practice
Practice 1: I accidentally broke the window, and my dad completely told me ______.
Answer:
off Practice 2: She ______ him off for leaving his dirty dishes in the sink.
Answer:
told Practice 3: I got told off ______ using my phone during the meeting.
Answer:
for