Idiom
give someone stick
Meanings
To criticize, tease, or mock someone; to give them a hard time.
Definition
To give someone stick means to criticize, tease, or give someone a hard time, often repeatedly.
To give someone stick is an informal expression meaning to criticize or mock someone, sometimes in a playful way and sometimes more harshly. It often suggests ongoing comments rather than a single remark. The tone depends on context: friends may do it jokingly, but it can also feel like bullying if it goes too far.
Examples
- My brothers always give me stick about my haircut.
- She gave him stick for arriving late again.
- Don’t give her stick—she’s already stressed.
- The press will give the coach stick if the team loses.
- He can take a joke, but they give him stick every day.
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 a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious 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 a quick update or confirm plans.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something important that you were responsibl…
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a friendly, informal chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of your actions or a difficult situation.