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Phrase(s): get one’s knuckles rapped
1. Lit. to get one’s knuckles struck with a ruler as a punishment. • I got my knuckles rapped for whispering too much. • You will have your knuckles rapped if you are not careful. 2. Fig. to receive a minor punishment. • The lawyer got his knuckles rapped for talking back to the judge. • Better watch your tongue if you don’t want to get your knuckles rapped.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs