read the riot act
phrase
1
: to order a mob to disperse
2
a
: to order or warn to cease something
b
: to protest vehemently
c
: to reprimand severely
Cite this Entry
“Read the riot act.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/read%20the%20riot%20act. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
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