talking-to

• talking to

From talking +‎ to.

talking-to (plural talkings-to)

1. (colloquial) A scolding or reprimand; a lengthy rebuke.
   • 1975, Bob Dylan, Blood on the Tracks, You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go

     Yer gonna make me wonder what I’m doin’

     Stayin’ far behind without you

     Yer gonna make me wonder what I’m sayin’

     Yer gonna make me give myself a good talkin’ to

   • 1982, Douglas Adams, Life, the Universe and Everything, page 55:

     Then all three would go off in search of the first, give it a good talking to and maybe a bit of a sing as well.