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teach sb a lesson

British pronunciation/tˈiːtʃ ˌɛsbˈiː ɐ lˈɛsən/
American pronunciation/tˈiːtʃ ˌɛsbˈiː ɐ lˈɛsən/
to teach sb a lesson
[PHRASE]
1

to hurt or punish someone in a way that ensures one they will never repeat their past behavior

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to [teach] {sb} a lesson definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "teach someone a lesson" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "teach someone a lesson" can be traced back to the notion of imparting knowledge or wisdom through experience. Teaching, in this context, refers to educating someone about the consequences of their actions. The idiom likely evolved over time as a metaphorical expression to describe the act of ensuring that someone learns from their mistakes or wrongdoing by subjecting them to a situation that serves as a lesson. It is often used in situations where someone has behaved inappropriately, hurt others, or committed a wrongdoing.

Examples
1If he keeps making those threats, I'm going to have to fill him in and teach him a lesson.
2All while teaching them a lesson about style.
3Contrast that behavior, for a moment, with the more peaceful Bonobos, who are female-led, and when a male in her group gets a bit pushy, the females are prone to gang up and teach him a lesson.
4That will teach them a lesson!
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