Idiom
give someone stick
Meanings
To criticize, mock, or tease someone, especially in a persistent way.
To give someone a hard time with jokes or teasing (often among friends).
Definition
To give someone stick means to criticize, tease, or insult them, often repeatedly.
In British English, give someone stick means to give someone a hard time with criticism, teasing, or rude comments. It is often used for persistent, sometimes unfair, negative remarks. It can be lighthearted teasing among friends or harsher criticism, depending on the situation and tone.
Examples
- The press really gave the manager stick after the defeat.
- Don’t give him stick about his accent; it’s not funny.
- My mates gave me stick for turning up in a suit.
- She got used to people giving her stick online.
- They gave the referee stick all match.
Common mistake
Learners often mistake stick here for the physical object and try to translate it literally instead of using it to mean criticism or teasing.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.