read (somebody) the riot actTELL somebody OFFto give someone a strong warning that they must stop causing trouble – used humorously 严厉警告(某人)必须停止闹事〔幽默用法〕 If the kids don’t settle down soon, I’ll go up and read them the riot act. 如果孩子们不马上安静下来,我就要上去向他们提出严正警告。
read (somebody) the riot act• Stephanie read Ted the riot act for seeing his old girlfriend.
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