verb phrase🎓 English idiom

give someone a piece of your mind

to angrily tell someone what you think

What it means

To tell someone angrily and frankly what you think of them or their behaviour, usually because you are annoyed or offended. It implies a stern scolding rather than a calm discussion.

Examples

  • When the waiter was rude again, she gave him a piece of her mind.
  • I'm going to give the landlord a piece of my mind about this broken heating.
  • He gave the referee a piece of his mind after the unfair decision.
  • After being kept waiting an hour, the customer gave the manager a piece of his mind.

Where it comes from

The expression dates to at least the 17th century and plays on the idea of handing over part of your honest thoughts. The phrasing puns on giving away a 'piece' of your inner mind, however unwelcome.

Related idioms

#blow off steam#in the heat of the moment#spill the beans#clear the air

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