| Clue | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Dress down | New York Times | 15 Feb 2026 |
| Reprimand | Thomas Joseph | 13 Sep 2025 |
| Scold severely | USA Today | 27 Oct 2016 |
| Scold severely | ||
| Read the riot act | ||
| Read the riot act | ||
| Give a tongue-lashing | ||
| Rake over the coals | ||
| Give a tongue-lashing | ||
| Upbraid | ||
| Upbraid | ||
| Excoriate | ||
| Scold | ||
| Scold |