ream out


ream out

1. To carve, hollow, or smooth out the inside of something with a reamer (a rotary cutting tool) or a similar implement. A noun or pronoun can be used between "ream" and "out." He reamed out the holes on the frame so that the larger pins of the new panel would fit properly.2. To aggressively and angrily rebuke, criticize, or chastise someone, especially for some mistake or wrongdoing. A noun or pronoun can be used between "ream" and "out." I'm going to quit my job—I'm so sick of irate customers coming in and reaming me out for something I have no control over. The boss reamed out the entire team for screwing up the accounts.See also: out, ream

ream someone out

Sl. to scold someone severely. The teacher really reamed him out. The coach reamed out the whole team.See also: out, ream

ream something out

to widen or clean an interior cavity or channel by scraping, grinding, or drilling. Ream the opening out so the flow will be faster. We had to ream out the pipes so the fuel would flow to the engine.See also: out, ream

ream someone out

tv. to scold someone severely. The coach reamed out the whole team. See also: out, ream, someone