give someone the business

Verb

 * 1)  To treat someone harshly or in a wrongful manner, such as by abusing, deceiving, or manipulating.
 * 2)  To harangue, criticize vigorously, berate, or ridicule someone.
 * 3) * 1973, Rita Mae Brown, Rubyfruit Jungle (1977 Randlom House edition), ISBN 9780553278866, p. 149:
 * Then the kids at school started giving me the business about being a fairy, called me the African Queen.
 * 1) * 1973, Rita Mae Brown, Rubyfruit Jungle (1977 Randlom House edition), ISBN 9780553278866, p. 149:
 * Then the kids at school started giving me the business about being a fairy, called me the African Queen.
 * Then the kids at school started giving me the business about being a fairy, called me the African Queen.