Give Him The Third Degree

( tell that person what not to do ... )

You give someone the third degree when you tell that person strongly what is right and wrong and what they should and should not do. Example: "That judge really gave that guy the third degree, didn't she?"

When parents give children a serious lecture, telling them what they can and cannot do, they give them the third degree. Example: "When he get's home, I want you to give him the third degree."

People sometimes protest against being "given the third degree" when they are talked to and told what they should and should not do. Example: "Stop giving me the third degree."