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View synonyms for

teach a lesson

  1. Punish in order to prevent a recurrence of bad behavior. For example, Timmy set the wastebasket on fire; that should teach him a lesson about playing with matches. This term uses lesson in the sense of “a punishment or rebuke,” a usage dating from the late 1500s. Also see learn one's lesson.



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Noticing Lisa is depressed, Gaga takes her under her wing to teach a lesson in confidence.

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These experiences do not always exist to be traumatizing or even to teach a lesson.

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The people would "teach a lesson" to those who insult Erdogan, he said.

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I don’t think you are purposely doing this — I believe you are trying to stick up for yourself and “teach a lesson” — but I can guarantee that your son is not growing skills here.

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That might be desirable if prosecutors wish to teach a lesson about the circumstance, or to remove a dangerous person from the public.

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teachable momentteach an old dog new tricks