How to Pronounce "rap across the knuckles"
expression
RAP uh-KRAWS thuh NUH-kuhlz
rap uh-KROSS thuh NUK-ulz
Definition
To give someone a mild warning or a light scolding for something they did wrong, especially to correct minor mistakes. Originally, it comes from the idea of tapping someone’s knuckles to show disapproval.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɹæp/ /əˈkɹɔs/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈnəkəɫz
British English
ɹˈæp/ /əkɹˈɒs/ /ðə, ði/ /nˈʌkəlz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
RAP uh-KRAWS thuh NUH-kuhlz
UK
rap uh-KROSS thuh NUK-ulz
Listen in Context
The teacher gave him a rap across the knuckles for talking in class.
He got a rap across the knuckles for being late to work again.
The manager gave the team a rap across the knuckles for missing the deadline.
I just got a rap across the knuckles from my boss about my messy desk.