Meaning of give someone the business | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To treat someone harshly or in a wrongful manner, such as by abusing, deceiving, or manipulating.
   dated, idiomatic
2. To harangue, criticize vigorously, berate, or ridicule someone.
   dated, idiomatic

Examples

““I hope you're right, Mike. I hope you aren't giving me the business.” I grinned at him. “The only one who can get shafted is me.””

“"They wouldn't waste the women. I'd guess they've got them up at the hotel, taking it in turn to give them the business. Four women only – they won't last till morning."”

“The Red Dean's utterances, as usual, got on some people's nerves. The irreverent New York Daily News gave him the business, in a full-column editorial, ending; "Nobody curbs these whizbangs in the United States or England, where they are free to be as nutty as their capacities will permit."”

“Then the kids at school started giving me the business about being a fairy, called me the African Queen.”

“They'd switch frequencies and there she'd be like Tokyo Rose, giving them the business. “What you doing here, Marines? You come to kill us? Why? We haven't done nothing to you.””

CEFR level