talking-to
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
That might be a little heavy-handed when a simple talking-to, or a vote-whipping operation that’s more on top of things, could suffice.
From Slate ● Sep. 5, 2026
Later that year, in a blog post on his personal website, Bosworth recounted a talking-to he had once received from Sheryl Sandberg, the company’s then-head of operations, about his overbearing way of communicating.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 25, 2026
It worked, although he got a talking-to about knowing his role.
From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2025
They could both use a talking-to from Piper, who is trying to get to the essence of her identity without male validation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 16, 2025
She was giving herself a good talking-to as she trudged up the steps to the first floor.
From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein
After a week or so of criticism and talking-tos from his staff, Biden reversed his position.
From Slate ● Jul. 12, 2022
He gave us a couple of stern talking-tos across his seven years.
From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2022
Despite repeated questionings and stern talking-tos both at school and at home, she had refused to say anything about what had caused this outburst.
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
All the stern talking-tos she’d gotten at the orphanage, all the wagging fingers and tight faces...they circled back around her like a whirlwind of shame.
From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older
