read (someone) the riot act

US /riːd ðə ˈraɪət ækt/
UK /riːd ðə ˈraɪət ækt/
"read (someone) the riot act" picture
1.

passer un savon à, remonter les bretelles à

to reprimand someone severely and warn them to improve their behavior

:
After he broke curfew again, his parents decided to read him the riot act.
Après qu'il ait de nouveau enfreint le couvre-feu, ses parents ont décidé de lui passer un savon.
The manager had to read the team the riot act after their poor performance.
Le manager a dû passer un savon à l'équipe après leur mauvaise performance.