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Give someone what for

verb, slang

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To punish; to rebuke. idiomatic, slang

    "She gave him what for all right. But you could see she was ever so pleased and she went around telling everybody about it."

Etymology

From 19th century, as a threatening rebuke to an impertinent (by 19th century standards) question of "what for?". Parent: "Go to your room." Child: "What for?" Parent (angrily): "Disobey me, and I'll give you 'what for'!"

See also for "give someone what for"

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