How to Pronounce "read the riot act"
expression
RED (or REED) thuh RY-uht AKT
REED thuh RY-uht AKT
Definition
To speak to someone very angrily or severely because they have done something wrong, often as a warning to change their behavior.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɹɛd/, /ˈɹid/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹaɪət/ /ˈækt
British English
ɹiːd/ /ðə, ði/ /ɹˈaɪət/ /ˈækt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
RED (or REED) thuh RY-uht AKT
UK
REED thuh RY-uht AKT
Listen in Context
The teacher read the riot act to the noisy students.
My mom read the riot act when I broke the vase.
The boss read the riot act after we missed the deadline.
If you come home late again, Dad will definitely read the riot act.