Definition
to severely criticize someone
Examples
1) The manager gave the employee a rocket for coming in late.
2) The coach gave the player a rocket for missing the goal.
Etymology
The term is thought to have originated in the 20th century, referencing the
powerful and destructive force of a rocket.
Synonyms: berate, reprimand, lambaste
- englishdaily626.com [edited]
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englishdaily626.com misses a key point, i.e., the phrase is British informal
and that might be why I couldn't find it in either the American Heritage
Dictionary 5th Ed. or the New Oxford American Dictionary.
The first Limey that came to mind who gives people rockets left and right is
Doc Martin, a general practitioner in Portwenn, a fictitious sea-side village in
southern England.
One has to see the show to appreciate the hilarity but here's one exerpt when
the doctor was found out to fear blood (haemophobia), he went on the local radio
and delievered
This is Dr Martin Ellingham.
I just wanted to get a few things crystal clear
for you and your puerile listeners.
I admit to having certain difficulties;
but they have not and they never will
impair my function as a doctor.
And for the record; a certain village plumber's
accident was in fact a prank with some ketchup;
which; by the way; kept me
from attending to patients in my surgery.
And as for so-called homeopathic remedies...
Well; I suggest if there's one
for chronic infantilism;
your caller; and indeed the entire village; should
embark on a course immediately! Thank you!
