tell off

tell off  {v.}

1. To name or count one by one and give some special duty to; give a share to.

Five boy scouts were told off to clean the camp.

2.  {informal}

To speak to angrily or sharply; attack with words; scold.

Mr. Black got angry and told off the boss.

Bobby kept pulling Sally's hair; finally she got angry and told him where to get off.

Syn.: TELL ONE WHERE TO GET OFF.

Compare: GIVE A PIECE OF ONE'S MIND, LAY DOWN THE LAW, TELL A THING OR TWO.