1
general::
Phrase(s): chew someone out [and] eat someone out
Fig. to scold someone. • The sergeant chewed the corporal out; then the corporal chewed the private out. • The boss is always chewing out somebody.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Scold harshly, as in Dad will chew you out for taking the car without permission. Originating in the military, this slangy term began to be used during World War I and soon spread to civilian life. Several vulgar versions, such as chew someone's ass out, should be avoided in polite speech. Also see EAT OUT, def. 2. chew the cud Also, chew over. Ponder over, meditate, as in John tends to chew the cud before he answers, or Let me chew that over and let you know. The first term, first recorded in 1382, transfers the appearance of a patiently ruminating cow to a person deep in thought. The variant was first recorded in 1696.
American Heritage Idioms