A2Informal

Jemandem die Ohren lang ziehen

To give someone a good scolding; to give someone an earful

In German

Jemandem die Ohren lang ziehen

ˈjeːmandəm diː ˈoːʁən laŋ ˈt͡siːən

Literal Translation

To pull someone's ears long

Meaning

To give someone a good scolding; to give someone an earful

Equivalent:"To give someone an earful; to give someone a good scolding"

Origin:This idiom refers to the literal act of pulling someone's ears as a form of mild punishment or admonishment, especially for children.

Example Sentences

1
Wenn du noch einmal lügst, werde ich dir die Ohren lang ziehen!
If you lie again, I'll give you a good scolding!
2
Der Trainer hat der Mannschaft nach der Niederlage die Ohren lang gezogen.
The coach gave the team an earful after the defeat.

FAQ

How do you say "To give someone a good scolding; to give someone an earful" in German?

"To give someone a good scolding; to give someone an earful" in German is "Jemandem die Ohren lang ziehen" (ˈjeːmandəm diː ˈoːʁən laŋ ˈt͡siːən). Example: Wenn du noch einmal lügst, werde ich dir die Ohren lang ziehen!.

To thwart someone's plans, to upset someone's calculations

Jemandem einen Strich durch die Rechnung machen

YE-man-dem AY-nen SHTRICH doorkh dee RECH-noong MAH-chen

To sound someone out, to discreetly check someone's knowledge or intentions

Jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen

YE-man-dem owf den TSAHN FY-len

To annoy or irritate someone

Jemandem auf die Nerven gehen

Ye-man-dem auf dee Ner-fen geh-en

To do someone a disservice; to do more harm than good

Jemandem einen Bärendienst erweisen

ˈjeːmandəm ˈaɪ̯nən ˈbɛːʁənˌdiːnst ɛɐ̯ˈvaɪ̯zn̩