CHEW SOMEONE OUT (TO BAWL SOMEONE OUT) and THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

FROM SAMPATH’S DESK:

 

CHEW SOMEONE OUT (BAWL SOMEONE OUT) and THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE:

 

CHEW SOMEONE OUT (BAWL SOMEONE OUT):

 

Origin of the idiom:

 

Did you ever watch someone’s mouth and lips moving furiously when they were harshly scolding you? Perhaps it reminded a writer years ago of fast chewing, and that’s how the expression was born.

 

Meaning:

 

To scold severely, rudely, or roughly – reprimand someone harshly – to criticize someone angrily – to talk heatedly and furiously to someone in order to show them that you disapprove of what they have said/done -

 

 

Example sentences:

 

When Geetha’s parents saw her report card, they really CHEWED HER OUT.

 

The coach has already CHEWED OUT TWO OF HIS SWIMMERS for arriving late to practice.

 

Mary CHEWED HER HUSBAND OUT for hours last evening because he had forgotten to buy a birthday gift for her.

 

My parents are always CHEWING ME OUT because I never do the dishes!

 

The boss CHEWED OUT HER EMPLOYEES for being lazy while at work. 

 

The policemen CHEWED OUT THE DRIVER for reckless driving.

 

John couldn’t get the guy to cooperate and so I had to call and CHEW HIM OUT.

 

The boss is totally going to CHEW US OUT if he hears that our company has lost that big business opportunity.

 

 

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE:

 

Original Meaning:

 

A grapevine is a climbing plant on which grapes grow.

 

 

Idiomatic Meaning:

 

If you hear or learn something on the grapevine, it means you hear or learn it in casual conversation with other people – hearing or learning through or via informal means of communication or information, especially gossip -

  

Example sentences:

 

I heard ON (or) THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE that you are leaving the company! Is it true?

 

I learned ON (or) THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE that you got a new job.

 

He had doubtless heard rumours about their relationship ON THE GRAPEVINE.

 

There is always some absurd rumour or piece of misinformation also THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE at work, but I try  to just tune most of that out.

 

I heard THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE that John is planning to propose to Mary next week.

 

I heard THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE we are getting a new assistant.

 

 

 

Proverbs:

 

வெறும் வாயை மெல்லுகிற அம்மையாருக்கு நாழி அவல் அகப்பட்டது போல.

As a measure of bruised dried rice given to an old dame, who had nothing to chew but an empty mouth.

வெறும் வாயை மெல்லுபவனுக்கு வெள்ளை அவல் கிடைத்தது போல.

As one who had nothing to munch/eat but an empty mouth obtained bruised rice.

(R.SAMPATH)

28/12/2012