That chokes; that stops respiration; that produces a feeling of choking; also figurative. choking apple n. = choke-apple n. at choke-, comb._form…

figurative. Something difficult or impossible to ‘swallow’, make away with, or get over; a difficulty; a severe reproof; a ‘settler’, archaic; a gag…

a flea in one's ear: said of a stinging or mortifying reproof, rebuff, or repulse, which sends one away discomfited: chiefly in to go (send,etc.) away…

A sharp reproof; a scolding; esp. in to give (a person) a rattle. Also with up. Obsolete.

a severe pungent ‘lecture’ or reprimand.

A severe rebuke or scolding; a sharp blow; (also) a torrent of words. Now rare (Irish English (northern) in later use).

A severe rebuke or scolding, ? originally from a ‘bigwig’; an act of wigging, n. slang or colloquial.

In suggestive use: a word of a sort, a sharp or angry word or reproof. rare.

A scolding, severe talking to.

A severe rebuke, reproof, or reprimand; a scolding.

A severe snub or reproof; a ‘taking-down’.

slang. Something scorching or stinging; a scathing rebuke or attack.

British Navy slang. A reprimand, a rebuke. Cf. dressing, n. 8. Now rare.

Something that tickles or is used for tickling. A stern or severe letter. Cf. tickle, v.1 6b. rare.

A severe reprimand or scolding.

a reprimand.

A strong reprimand; a rebuke, a telling-off.

Chiefly British. An instance of severe punishment, criticism, etc.; (Sport) a heavy defeat.

figurative. Esp. in a kick in the pants: a grave or humbling setback; an expression of severe criticism or disapproval; similarly, a kick in the teeth…

colloquial. A severe reprimand. Cf. bollocking, n.

British slang (originally Military). A severe reprimand. Frequently in to give (or get) a rocket.

slang. A severe reprimand, a scolding. Cf. rollicking, n. 2.

A beating; a decisive or humiliating defeat; a severe reprimand. Also (and in earliest use) as a mass noun: the action of inflicting a severe beating…