to lecture someone, to reprimand severely
Jemanden sehr streng zurechtweisen oder eine heftige Rüge aussprechen.
To reprimand someone very strictly or deliver a severe lecture.
☞ The expression originates from the Book of Leviticus in the Old Testament.
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Der Lehrer musste dem Schüler die Leviten lesen.— The teacher had to reprimand the student severely.
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Sie las ihm die Leviten, weil er zu spät kam.— She gave him a severe lecture because he was late.