Have/tan somebody’s hide

usgb
verb phrase

To hit or physically punish someone later, often as a threat.

If you misbehave in class again, I'll tan your hide!
Visual representation of "have/tan somebody’s hide" - To hit or physically punish someone later, often as a threat.

Often appears as...

  • going to tan your hide
  • threatened to tan his hide

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "have/tan somebody’s hide"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Threat

The phrase is often used metaphorically for a severe warning rather than an actual physical punishment.

Illustration for Metaphorical Threat
Finish your chores or I'll tan your hide!
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Colloquial Usage

This is a colloquial expression, not suitable for formal situations or written formal documents.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
She threatened to tan his hide if he was late once more.
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Idiomatic Expression

Understand that it's an idiom; the words should not be taken literally, but as an expression with a figurative meaning.

Illustration for Idiomatic Expression
After seeing the prank, the coach exclaimed he'd tan their hides.
Visual representation of the word "Have/tan somebody’s hide"

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